Livonia, Michigan - LIVONIA, Mich. - Mary Ellen Benning, age 84, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away on June 30, 2025.

She was born on August 21, 1940 in Terre Haute, Indiana; daughter of Robert L. and Jetta M. (Mascari) Steed.

She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart James "Jim" Benning on April 8, 1961; they spent over 64 years devoted to one another until his death on May 4, 2025.

She graduated from Paul Schulte High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, class of 1958.

Mary Ellen was the heart and soul of her family [mdash] the beloved "mama bear" who quietly kept everything running from behind the scenes.

She is survived by her children, Donna (John) Gill, Debra (Kevin) Donegan, Robert (Julie) Benning, Jamie (Robert) Bieganski, and Sheila (Mark) Harrington; her brother Thomas Steed; her sisters, Sheila Walstrom and Angela Steed; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with family sharing at 5:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville, Michigan. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., instate at 9:30 a.m. at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Road, Livonia. Mary Ellen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.

Share memories and read the full obituary at:

www.casterlinefuneralhome.com