Nancy Launius

Nancy Launius, 75, of Benton, IL, passed away Friday, June 20th, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born on March 11th, 1950, in Decatur, IL, the third of six children, to Dean and Faye Sentel (Corn). While still in high school, she eloped with her childhood sweetheart, Darrel Launius, on October 13th, 1967, in Elizabethtown, IL, enjoying almost fifty-eight years of married life together.

Nancy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and took immense pride in her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed watching figure skating, reading, and puzzles of all kinds, and amassed several collections, including vintage dishes and Barbie dolls.

She is survived by her husband Darrel Launius and their three children and spouses, along with five grandchildren; John and Tammy Launius of Pinckneyville, IL; Christie Launius and Susan Rensing of Manhattan, KS; Amy Launius and Jim Reith of Crestwood, MO; grandchildren Preston Launius (fiancée Madison Bock); Pearson Launius (fiancée Jillian Shaneyfelt); Porter Launius-Rensing; Oxford Reith; Willa Reith; brothers Bob “Hot Rod” Sentel of Benton, IL; Bill (Julie) Sentel of Macedonia, IL; and Kenny (Roberta) Sentel of Lake of Egypt, IL.

She was preceded in death by her nephew Joshua Sentel; her parents; two sisters, Virginia “Gigi” Johnson, and Ruth Sentel Matyi; and brother-in-law Donnie Johnson.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions and may be made in memory of Nancy to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Nancy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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