BENTON – Nancy Launius, 75, of Benton, IL, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, after a brief illness.
She was born on March 11, 1950, in Decatur, IL, the third of six children of Dean and Faye (Corn) Sentel. While still in high school, she eloped with her childhood sweetheart, Darrel Launius, on October 13, 1967, in Elizabethtown, IL. They enjoyed nearly 58 years of married life together.
Nancy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who took immense pride in her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed watching figure skating, reading, and solving puzzles of all kinds. She also amassed several collections, including vintage dishes and Barbie dolls.
She is survived by her husband, Darrel Launius; their three children and their spouses:
– John and Tammy Launius of Pinckneyville, IL
– Christie Launius and Susan Rensing of Manhattan, KS
– Amy Launius and Jim Reith of Crestwood, MO
She is also survived by five grandchildren:
– Preston Launius (fiancée Madison Bock)
– Pearson Launius (fiancée Jillian Shaneyfelt)
– Porter Launius-Rensing
– Oxford Reith
– Willa Reith
Other survivors include her brothers:
– Bob “Hot Rod” Sentel of Benton, IL
– Bill (Julie) Sentel of Macedonia, IL
– 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 her brother-in-law, Donnie Johnson.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences for the family or to share memories of Nancy, please visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
