Lillian C. Benes, 96, of McHenry, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Alden Terrace of McHenry. She was born in Chicago to John and Bessie (Safranek) Winter on July 31, 1921. On October 7, 1950, she married Charles F. Benes in Chicago.

Lillian worked in accounting for Illinois Bell for 12 years. During that period, she took a leave from her work for Bell to enlist in the United States Navy and served her country in World War II. Once she and Charles married, Lillian assisted her husband in running their fresh fruit and vegetable store, Benes & Son, in Chicago. She also spent time perfecting her bowling game. In 1965, Lillian and Charles moved their family to McHenry, where she worked for Modine for 10 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Steven (Eloise) Benes of McHenry and Debra (Michael) Atchison of Ingleside; five grandchildren, John (Amm) Benes, Susan (Michael) Gregory, Jessica, Katie, and Shelby Atchison; three great-grandchildren, Kaia, Marcus, and McKenzie; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Lillian was preceded in death by her husband in February of 2017.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. service, Sunday, May 6, 2018, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050. The interment with full military honors will take place on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, her family suggests memorials to the Sage Cancer Center, 4305 W. Medical Center Drive, McHenry, IL 60050.

For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends may leave an on-line condolence message for Lillian’s family.