Published: May 13, 2008 10:54 am         

Mary E. (Martin) Henson Steele

Mary E. (Martin) Henson Steele, 88, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 3:25 a.m. Sunday, May 11, 2008, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman.

She was born March 4, 1920, in Scottland, Ill., the daughter of John and Beulah Martin. She was united in marriage to Fred Henson in 1938 until his death in 1956. She later married Wilmer “Pete” Steele until his passing.

She will be missed by: her son, Dennis (Brenda) Henson of Danville; her daughter, Janice (Mel) Phenicie of Ridge Farm; her nine grandchildren, Troy (Amy) Henson, Tracy (Mark) Taylor, Chad (Susan) Phenicie, Hayley Phenicie, Jamie (Kim Koontz) Henson, Charlie (Shelly) Penry, Andy Henson, Matt (Trisha Goble) Elliott and Jason (Heather) Elliott; and her 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents; her son, Frank Henson; one sister; four brothers; and one grandson, Doug Phenicie.

Mary worked for International Harvester in Ridge Farm and Agri-Co in Danville. She also owned and operated the Ridge Farm Sundries. She also had worked for Shelby Imports in Urbana. She attended the Ridge Farm Friends Church and was a member of the Ridge Farm Ladies Aid.

In her spare time, Mary enjoyed bowling, traveling, gardening, and watching soap operas. She especially loved having her grandchildren come and visit with her.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E. West St. in Georgetown. Gary Hendrick will officiate. Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.