Jennifer Ann (Connally) Benne

Jennifer Ann Benne, 78, of Eldon, Missouri, passed away Saturday, April 5th, 2025. She was lovingly cared for by her family, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons and son in laws. She was born in Abilene, Texas on March 24th, 1947 the daughter of Edna and Wendel Connally. She was married in Abilene, Texas on July 15, 1967 to the love of her life, Gregory Benne, for 54 years, until his passing in 2021.

Jennifer's dream as a child was to be a wife and a mother, which she fulfilled with four daughters, Angela Benne Myers (Brian), Wendy Benne, Paula Benne Mislevich (Wade), Kimberly Benne. She was an amazing mother but an even greater Nana, which is the name she has gone by for 36 years. She was Nana to nine grandchildren, Brian Kronk (Allie); Mark Kronk (Angie); Amy Kronk (Mikey); Michael Mislevich (Taylor); Levi Mislevich; Nathan Mislevich; Annie Benne (Skyler); Jodie Wood; Callie Wood; five great-grandchildren, Kolton and Kelby Kronk; Georgia and Ava Kronk; Kayda Mislevich. She is survived by a sister, Janet Cardoza, nieces and nephews, Tiffany Manch, Amy Sullivan, Tim Moody, Kelly Connally. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Ron Connally, Scotty Connally, nephew Shawn Connally, niece Misti Connally. 

Jennifer was a homemaker as she raised their four daughters and then entered the workforce, first at Sacred Heart Church, then Skinner Ridge Plants, and finally she was a ‘cooker lady’ for the Eldon School district. This was a dream job for her for 22 years and remained friends with her lunch ladies after her retirement. 

In lieu of flowers, the family of Jenny Benne, requests that donations be made in her memory to support children in need. Jenny was passionate about ensuring no child went hungry at school. Contributions will be directed to the Eldon School District Lunch Fund to help eliminate negative school lunch balances, honoring Jenny's commitment to kindness and community. Donations will be accepted at her Celebration of life. 

Greg and Jenny, aka, Papa and Nana loved their campfires. If you would like to be a part of a memorial fire pit that will be created on their property ‘Benne Hill’, donations will be accepted at her Celebration of life as well. 

She was heartbroken after the passing of her husband, Greg. We truly believe that they are reunited today. She was a woman of faith, and prayed daily for her family and friends. She was strong and kind and loved her family and spending time with them. She never judged people and would often be heard stating ‘it’s not my place to judge.’ She just loved.

She had several hobbies that included flower gardens and lurking around corners startling anyone and everyone- this brought her great joy. Those that knew her know this was just her ‘thing.’ She will be truly missed by all that loved her.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, April 13th, 2025 from 2:00 pm. - 4:00 p.m. At the Eldon Community Center. 

If unable to attend the Celebration of Jenny Benne, memorial contributions can be mailed to 13 Bunker Rd, Eldon, Mo 65026 with a notation of lunch or campfire. 

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO. 

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