Dianne (Eldridge) Essary, age 79, of Benton, Illinois passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. The family will miss her deeply, but are comforted that Dianne is no longer in pain or suffering.
Dianne was born on December 23rd, 1946, to Jimmie and Carmel Eldridge. She spent some of her childhood in the Chicago area, but returned to Benton her senior year of high school. She married Earl Essary in 1966 and raised her daughters with love, patience, and the example of serving God first. She was a devoted Christian and was a member of the church of Christ serving in a variety of duties over the years. She enjoyed spending time with children, teaching Bible classes, making others laugh, and sharing time with family and friends. She became a cosmetologist after the girls were in school and offered her clients extra love, laughter, and lots of conversation until her retirement in 2007. In Dianne’s younger days, she hosted many gatherings at her house with good food and great conversation. Dianne cherished time spent with family and friends and was especially delighted in the relationship she had with her grandchildren as she offered unwavering love and support. Dianne had a special bond and friendship with her daughter, Julie, who has devoted her life to caring for and loving Dianne through so many illnesses over the years. They shared a friendship which meant the world to each of them. There may have been hardships along the way, but Dianne found joy in the little things and used laughter to offer needed distraction. She will be remembered for her care and compassion for others, as she always tried to be the best example for the Lord.
Dianne was preceded in death by her husband Earl, mother Carmel, father Jimmie, and brother Timothy. She is survived by her two daughters, Christine Knight (Rick), and Julie Essary. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan and Courtney Knight, brother James Eldridge (Beverly), sister Nancy Sims (Alan) and brother Mark Eldridge. Also surviving are many of her brothers and sisters in-law and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place at the Benton/West City church of Christ, 203 N. Central Street, West City, IL on October 10th, 2026. Her family will receive visitors beginning at 11:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family offers an option for those who desire. Please follow the link for that information. https://www.supportnow.org/the-dianne-essary-family-2026?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demoo41sp0f9
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