Mary Ann Wilhelm

BENTON, Mo. -- Mary Ann Wilhelm, 70, of Benton died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born June 6, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of John A. and Stella R. Griffaw Tarr. Mary Ann and James E. Wilhelm were married May 15, 1965, in Cape Girardeau. He died Aug. 13, 2009.

She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church.

Mary Ann managed the M&M Drive In at Benton, worked as an EMT for NBC Fire Department and was active in the Benton Chamber of Commerce.

She loved her community and had lived in Benton more than 45 years. She loved horses and she loved to mow, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a son, David Wilhelm of Zalma, Mo.; a daughter, Cathy Allen of Middleburg, Fla.; two sisters, Joan Sachse of Murray, Ky., Rosalie Brown of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Cody and Levi Wilhelm and Wesley, Garrett, Cameron and Dillon Allen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Benton. Parish prayers will be at 7.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, with the Rev. Michael Casteel officiating. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Denis Catholic Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.