Myrtle Pauline (Polly) Benz Townsend, a long-time Herrin resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at Parkway Manor in Marion where she had lived in recent years.
Polly was born on January 5, 1924, at her parents’ farm near Expansion in Mercer County, North Dakota. Her parents were John J. Benz, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Maetche) Benz. She grew up on a farm and attended public schools in Hazen, North Dakota. Following high school graduation and a short course of study at Dickinson, North Dakota, Polly received a rural teaching credential. She then taught in rural one-room schools at Otter Creek and at the Star Mine before her marriage. She married J. C. (Chet) Townsend on July 6, 1946, at Hazen.
Moving with her husband’s employment Polly lived in West Virginia, Tennessee and Wisconsin before the family settled in Herrin in the early 1950s. She was a devoted homemaker, dedicated to the welfare and education of her family. While raising her children she was active as a Girl Scout leader and at the Herrin First Presbyterian Church where she and her family were members. She served the church for nine years as a deacon and was also secretary of the Christian Education Committee; Polly also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
When her youngest child reached junior high age, she resumed working periodically in the classroom as a substitute teacher. Polly later became a full-time student. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University in 1973. In that same year Polly resumed a full-time teaching career. She retired from public school teaching at the Benton grade schools in 1986. In each of her classrooms she was recognized as a conscientious, effective and dedicated teacher.
Her memberships included the Benton Federation of Teachers which she served for a time as treasurer, the American Federation of Teachers, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Franklin County Retired Teachers Association, Williamson County AARP, Herrin Civic Center Patron Series and Friends of the Herrin City Library.
In retirement Polly was also active as a volunteer at HerrinFesta and in support of the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.
Her husband Jo Chester (Chet) Townsend died in 1973. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Marville Foss; and brothers Lyle Benz and Milton Benz.
Survivors include her children, John Gregory (Susan I.) Townsend of Champaign, Mary Jo (Jim) Taylor of Christopher, and Bruce A. (Susan A.) Townsend of Memphis, Tennessee; two brothers, John Benz of Mound, Minnesota, and Gordon Benz of Arvada, Colorado; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted by the Reverend Michael S. Neubert at the First Presbyterian Church, 421 North 14th Street, Herrin, Illinois, on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 2:00 p. m. Visitation will take place at the church from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. Private burial will be at the Herrin City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Herrin, 421 North 14th Street, Herrin, Illinois 62948; or the Friends of the Herrin City Library, 120 North 13th Street, Herrin, Illinois 62948-3233. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.