Barbara Benson, nee Butler, age 93, of Caseyville, IL, was called home by her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Barbara was born in Peterborough, England on February 23, 1927, and came to live in East St. Louis as a war bride when she married her husband, Paul, who was a U.S.A.A.F. stationed in Glatton, England during WWII.

Barbara, affectionately known as Nanny by her 62 grand, great and great great grandchildren, was a loving, kind, giving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of East St. Louis and of the First Baptist Church of Collinsville, IL.

For many years, Barbara was a Sunday School teacher, leader of the Guild Girls at her church, and actively participated in the Women's Circles of both churches. She delivered Meals On Wheels for many years, and was the President of the Cosmopolitan Club, also know as the War Brides Club, which was composed of women who married American servicemen stationed in England. Barbara was an avid sports fan, including the Cardinals and Kahoks, but she especially enjoyed the sports in which her family participated. Barbara also spent many happy hours fishing in the local lakes with her husband, Paul. Together with her good friend and chauffeur, Pat Murphy, she was a Muny regular for 40 years. Barbara cherished her trips to England and the happy times she spent with her English family. All those who knew our dear Barbara, know that she had a deep, abiding love for her family and friends.

Preceding Barbara in death are her husband, Paul; her parents, Winifred and Benjamin Butler; her brother Keith; her daughter-in-law and close friend Kay Benson; and brother in-law, Erwin Barbre; and her grandson Bret Cassity.

Barbara is survived by her sons, David Benson of Caseyville and Timothy Benson of Dover, TN; her daughter, Beverly (Ron) Markezich of Redmond, WA; her sister Jane Barbre of Westcliffe, CO. 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 27 great great grandchildren; her loving English cousins and friends and her faithful war bride friend of 75 years, Lily Miller of New Haven, MO.

Barbara's wishes were to be cremated and her ashes scattered in Odin, IL with her husband and among the bluebells in Peterbrough, England with parents.

A private family celebration of life for our loved one will be on January 16, 2021 at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church, Collinsville, IL.

For her many dear friends who would like to see the celebration, streaming will be available at www.fbcollinsville.org An archived version will also be available on the same website. Condolences can be made to the family at www.herrfuneral.com . In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Barbara's memory, her preference is to the First Baptist Church of Collinsville, 723 St. Louis Rd. Collinsville, IL 62234, or on the churches website.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

God bless and Jesus keep you dearest loved ones, until we meet again in Heaven.