Sara Jane Benton, 57, of Olney, died at 2:42 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney after a battle with cancer.  She donated her body to science. Funeral services at Christian Church of Olney with Pastor Bill Greenwood officiating. Private interment of ashes will be at a later date.

Ms. Benton was born April 25, 1954, in Olney, the daughter of Robert and Jane (Jackman) Benton. She was a school teacher, having taught elementary and kindergarten for 34 years in Jasper County. She retired in 2010.

She loved teaching and keeping acquaintances with former students and families. She also loved to share her piano talents with several area churches.

Ms. Benton is survived by her mother, Jane Benton, of Olney; sister, Beth Kinkade and her husband, Albert, of Olney; sister, Alice Mullinax and her husband, Greg, of Parkersburg; brother, John Benton and his wife, Natasha, of Olney; sister, Ellen Collins and husband, Randall, of Springfield; several nieces and nephews; one great-nephew; aunts; and one uncle.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Benton, grandparents, and sister-in-law, Dianna Benton.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) - Thursday, May 19, 2011