Doris Elaine (Bloomquist) Benz passed away peacefully at Chesterfield Villas on March 10, 2023.

Doris was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend. She was born in East St. Louis, IL, on April 9, 1929, the eldest child of Eugene and Rose Bloomquist, preceded in death by her sister Evelyn Irene (Jack) Bresnahan and brother Robert E. (Sharon) Bloomquist.

After growing up and attending high school in Illinois, Doris started a job at International Shoe Company in St. Louis, Mo. While working at International Shoe, she met her future husband, Arthur Joseph Benz. After courtship, they were married on September 9, 1950 and celebrated over 58 years of marriage before Art's passing on October 12, 2008. They raised two sons, Kenneth Alan and Steven Arthur, and were blessed with Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Art and Doris enjoyed learning about history and new cultures and travelled internationally.

A devoted wife and mother, Doris was also a believer in life-long learning and excelled in a number of the arts, including cooking, painting, puppetry, doll-making and quilting. For a number of years, Doris was the Arts and Crafts Director of Friendship Village in Chesterfield, Mo. Over her life, she was a member and leader in several organizations including the Northside Art Association, Normandy Historical Society, the Puppet Guild of St. Louis, Puppeteers of America and in later years, the Dollaholics. In those organizations, she was a patron, gifted artist, teacher, leader and mentor to many. The arts were a continual source of inspiration for her and the friendships that she made in those organizations were a true blessing to her.

Doris is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Jeania), Steven (Teresa) and granddaughters, Erin (Matthew) Benz Flack, Elizabeth Benz, Tiffany Pratt and Valicia (Clint) Plemens; as well as many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Tierra Nicole Pratt. Doris had many nephews and nieces along with their spouses that brought her great joy.

Visitation will be held at Collier's Funeral Home at 3400 North Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Ann, MO 63074 on March 26, 2023, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Service and Internment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery will begin at Collier's on March 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. Those wishing to honor Doris's life may consider a donation to the arts organization of their choice or their local PBS station.