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BORN
1929
DIED
2023
Doris Benz Obituary
Doris Elaine (Bloomquist) Benz passed away peacefully at Chesterfield Villas on March 10, 2023.
Doris was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend. She was born in East St. Louis, IL, on April 9, 1929, the eldest child of Eugene and Rose Bloomquist, preceded in death by her sister Evelyn Irene (Jack) Bresnahan and brother Robert E. (Sharon) Bloomquist.
After growing up and attending high school in Illinois, Doris started a job at International Shoe Company in St. Louis, Mo. While working at International Shoe, she met her future husband, Arthur Joseph Benz. After courtship, they were married on September 9, 1950 and celebrated over 58 years of marriage before Art’s passing on October 12, 2008. They raised two sons, Kenneth Alan and Steven Arthur, and were blessed with Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Art and Doris enjoyed learning about history and new cultures and travelled internationally.
A devoted wife and mother, Doris was also a believer in life-long learning and excelled in a number of the arts, including cooking, painting, puppetry, doll-making and quilting. For a number of years, Doris was the Arts and Crafts Director of Friendship Village in Chesterfield, Mo. Over her life, she was a member and leader in several organizations including the Northside Art Association, Normandy Historical Society, the Puppet Guild of St. Louis, Puppeteers of America and in later years, the Dollaholics. In those organizations, she was a patron, gifted artist, teacher, leader and mentor to many. The arts were a continual source of inspiration for her and the friendships that she made in those organizations were a true blessing to her.
Doris is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Jeania), Steven (Teresa) and granddaughters, Erin (Matthew) Benz Flack, Elizabeth Benz, Tiffany Pratt and Valicia (Clint) Plemens; as well as many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Tierra Nicole Pratt. Doris had many nephews and nieces along with their spouses that brought her great joy.
Visitation will be held at Collier’s Funeral Home at 3400 North Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Ann, MO 63074 on March 26, 2023, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Service and Internment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will begin at Collier’s on March 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. Those wishing to honor Doris’s life may consider a donation to the arts organization of their choice or their local PBS station.
14 Entries
Renee' Richardson
March 27, 2023
May you always remember the joy that Doris brought to others.
We will always love you Doris & will miss you! Deepest condolences to your family. From: your puppet friends locally, nationally & internationally
Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis
March 27, 2023
We will always love you Doris & will miss you! Deepest condolences to your family. From: your puppet friends locally, nationally & internationally
Michelle O’Donnell
March 27, 2023
Doris was such a wonderful lady & so greatly talented. She was a longtime member of the Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis & shared so much of her knowledge & puppet building skills with our group & other people in St. Louis. She will be very missed. But we know she will be watching from Heaven continuing to encourage us all. Deepest sympathy to your family—we will hold her memory in our hearts.
Debra Bennett
March 26, 2023
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Mother, prayers for your peace and healing. May she live on through her legacy of her family and friends. God Bless.
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Sandy Preston
March 26, 2023
We are so sad that we didn’t get to meet Doris but heard so much about her and, having read her obituary, what a fabulously talented lady she was! We know that Erin loved her so much and I know Erin’s English family would have loved her too. Her comments on Facebook made us giggle just lovely you have wonderful memories to cherish and I’m sure tomorrow will be a perfect celebration of Doris’ wonderful life.
We will be thinking of you .. sending much love, Sandy & Steve xxxx
Daisy Morgan
March 26, 2023
Doris was a loved by her family and friends. She has been a part of our lives, since our sister, Liz, married into the family. We met over the years at family reunions from both sides. Those were memorable get togethers in Tenn, Ca, and Nev over the years. We have always kept in touch through Liz and Don, and the social media comments. We were blessed to be small part of her life and are praying for her family and friends to find peace in the memories of her beautiful life. Dave, Daisy and Sandy Morgan
Carol Chickey
March 25, 2023
While we met at the Missouri Historical Society, we spent many hours at the Garret Gallery. Doris was not only talented, she was also an extremely positive person. She told me that some of her best projects were mistakes when I won a photo award. She taught me a lesson at that moment that It was OK to benefit and learn from those mistakes. Among her may gifts was her thoughtfulness. When she learned that I lived in a 100+ year old craftsman home, she gave me a painting that she had found in her basement. To this day, that painting hangs in my living room. Due to life’s circumstances, I was unable to keep up a connection with Doris. When the Marionettes had their fire, I thought of Doris and prayed that she was in a position to handle the heartache she must have felt over their loss, as she was also a puppeteer. I am grateful she was in my life.
Sally Dillon
March 21, 2023
Although we have known Doris for a very short time, I had to say what a special person she was. She was so talented and interesting to be with. She sat at our table for dinner at Delmar Garden Villas and we will miss her. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Sally Dillon - Sara - Stan - Pat
Diane Saulnier
March 21, 2023
My dear Aunt Doris—talented beyond belief and full of fun and stories. We will miss her dearly. I like to think of her, now fully herself, with my Dad, her brother, and her sister Evie, together reliving the past and so happy to be united. They were truly a great trio who left an amazing legacy of love, kindness, and zest of life and giving back. We hold you if not in our arms, in our hearts! Love, Diane
Jeff Plodzien
March 19, 2023
Ken so sorry for your loss. While we went to school together in our teens, my wife met your mom in the Dollaholics group. I went to one of their dinners they had and talk to your mom about the good old days in the Normandy area. You mom was a sweet and talented person, it was a pleasure to know her.
Daniel"digger" Romano
March 17, 2023
Doris's skill at her craft and her willingness to mentor others (such as me) in sewing skills for puppet and doll making will be remembered and appreciated by many and for many years to come. Sadly, this is another great loss for the puppetry arts community but I know she lived a rich, full, happy and long life. RIP, Doris.
Martha Salwin
March 17, 2023
Doris was a true artist. We've only met her a few times and were impressed by her ability to make beautiful, quilted items from scraps. Our prayers are with the family.
Ted and Martha (Liz's sister) Salwin
Sara Baker
March 14, 2023
My husband and I met Doris at the Windy City Doll Workshop in Chicago. We LOVED listening to her stories. She was such a wonderful person to be around. She was so talented and wise. We will sincerely miss her.
BARBARA BAST
March 13, 2023
I first met Doris at a doll club meeting in 1998 when we were beginning our adventure into doll making. She was already a talented puppeteer so she fit right in with our group. She shared her talents and patterns with all of us and I can truthfully say she taught me what I know today. Her warm personality and smile will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of creating new things with her guiding us. Rest in Peace dear Lady...until we meet again, Barbara
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3400 North Lindberg Blvd. , Saint Ann, MO 63074-2103
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