Shirley J. Benz

MORENCI- Shirley Joan (Warner) Benz, age 89, former resident of Onsted and Blissfield, Michigan, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, under the care of Hospice of Lenawee at Caring Dunn Right Senior Living in Morenci, Michigan where she had been a resident for the last 8 months. Shirley Benz was born on January 19, 1936, in Adrian, Michigan, the daughter of Myrtle (Jenkins) Warner. When Shirley was 3 yrs old, she and her sister, Norma, were blessed to have Gerald “Jerry” Phillips join their family when he married their mother, Myrtle. Jerry was the best father and greatly loved. Shirley graduated from Adrian High School in 1953. She worked at Adrian State Bank. It was in 1958, when Shirley met her future husband, William “Bill” Frank Benz. Shirley knew immediately that Bill was the love of her life; and after a 3-month courtship they were married on March 7, 1959, at the United Presbyterian Church in Palmyra, MI. Shirley worked at Kewaunee Scientific Corporation Plant in Adrian. Shirley and Bill were founders of Blissfield Automotive Parts Incorporated (NAPA); where she was the bookkeeper for over 20 years, serving the local community. Shirley had a wide range of interests including shopping, line dancing, bird watching, being a “groupie” for her friend’s son’s band, reading and going to casinos with Bill. She also served at the First Presbyterian Church for funeral dinners. Shirley and Bill celebrated 52 years of marriage before his death in 2011. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Dawn) Benz; grandchildren, Brianna, Jorden and Jaxsen of Onsted, MI; her brother, Edd (Barb) Phillips of Celina, TN; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Bill, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and Gerald Phillips; daughter, Kimberly Sue; sister, Norma and her husband, Jack McDonald; former sisters-in-law, Linda (Keiser) Phillips and Linda (Clear) Phillips and nieces, Leslie Nachtrab and Tina Hessel. A memorial service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Chapel, Tagsold Chapel in Blissfield with Rev. Zachary Mabee as celebrant. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home; and again, one hour before the service. Burial will be private at Lenawee Hills Memorial Park, Adrian. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Shirley J. Benz

January 19, 1936 - January 12, 2026