Claire Farnen Benney, 84, of rural Montgomery City, MO, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO.

Claire J. Farnen Benney was born April 13, 1932 in Montgomery City, MO, to John Farnen and Bernice Prost Farnen. She graduated from Montgomery City High School in 1950 and later married Donald Benney on June 18, 1955 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City, MO. Together they farmed outside of Montgomery City for over 60 years. Mrs. Benney was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Montgomery City, was a volunteer for years at the Montgomery County Fair, enjoyed gardening, mowing grass, going to the Boat, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Fan. Mrs. Benney loved spending time with her family and enjoyed visiting with her many friends.

Mrs. Benney is survived by her husband, Donald Benney; two sons: Dennis Benney and wife, Jean; and Tom Benney and wife, Kaye, all of Montgomery City, MO. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Scott Benney of Montgomery City, MO; Heather Benney and fiancée, Eric McCurdy of Lawrence, KS; Dustin Benney and wife, Hilary, of Montgomery City, MO; Danielle Czerniewski and husband, Eric, of Belton, MO; and Delaney Benney of Montgomery City, MO; five great-grandchildren: Jackson, Hadley, and Cooper Benney and Emmitt and Maveric Czerniewski; sister-in-law, Evelyn Pool of Montgomery City, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mrs. Benney was preceded in death by her parents, John Farnen and Bernice Prost Farnen; two sisters: Helen Farnen and Ruth Rodgers; and brother-in-law, Wayne Pool.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City, MO. Reverend Augustine Okoli will officiate and interment will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery, near Montgomery City, MO. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Casketbearers include Stan Carroz, Stan Hemeyer, Jim Block, Eric Czerniewski, Scott Benney, and Dustin Benney. Honorary Casketbearers include Dale Davis and Bob River.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery County Senior Center or to the Immaculate Conception Church for Masses c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.