A Memorial Service for Marj Bensley, age 63 of Sac City, IA, will be at 1:00PM on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Sac City. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00PM on Sunday, October 11, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City. Marj passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home of Sac City is in charge of arrangements.
Marj Bensley (Williams), age 63, of Sac City, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at UnityPoint Health–Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.
Marjorie Jean Williams was born on November 1, 1962, in Fort Dodge, IA, to Duane and Dorothy (Foreman) Williams. The oldest of six children, Marj grew up in Humboldt, IA, where she attended school and graduated with the Humboldt High School Class of 1981. Following graduation, she moved to Ames, IA.
Marj was blessed with a son, Jeremy, and the two later made their home in Rockwell City, IA, for a few years. Determined to further her education and build a career for herself and her son, Marj attended Iowa Central Community College, where she studied to become a laboratory technician. In 1991, she and Jeremy moved to Sac City, where she purchased a home and put down roots in the community that would remain her home for the rest of her life.
Marj began working in the laboratory department at Loring Hospital in Sac City, a career she truly enjoyed and remained dedicated to for many years. She continued working there until declining health eventually led to her retirement in 2019.
In 1998, Marj met John Bensley III. The two were united in marriage on September 23, 2000, at the First Christian Church in Sac City. Through their marriage, Marj gained two more children, J.R. and Nikki, whom she welcomed not only into her life, but wholeheartedly into her heart and family.
More than anything, Marj loved her family. Her children and grandchildren were her world, and there was very little she wouldn’t do for the people she loved. She was incredibly selfless and almost always put the needs of others before her own.
Being the oldest of six children, caring for others came naturally to Marj. She was much like a second mom to her younger sisters, and that nurturing spirit remained a defining part of who she was throughout her life. During COVID, she helped care for her dad in Humboldt before his passing, another reflection of the unwavering devotion she had for her family.
Marj found genuine happiness in giving to others. It didn’t matter whether the gesture was big or small; if she could brighten someone’s day or make life a little easier, she was happy to do it. Her sisters were often on the receiving end of that generosity, and she treasured the close bond they shared. Their trips together became some of her favorite adventures, always filled with plenty of laughter, stories, and memories they would carry with them long after the trip was over.
Marj never met a stranger. She was accepting, nonjudgmental, and a friend to people from all walks of life. She had a gift for making others feel comfortable and welcome, and she was always willing to lend a hand to someone who needed one.
That caring nature extended to animals as well. Over the years, Marj rescued and cared for many animals, somehow always finding a little more room in her heart—and often her home—for one more that needed her.
Marj was also a woman of many interests and talents. At one point, she worked in a flower shop, where she developed a special talent for floral arranging. Long after leaving the shop, she continued sharing that talent with the people she loved, including creating beautiful floral arrangements for her sisters’ weddings.
Music was an important part of Marj’s life, and she enjoyed nearly every genre. She also loved old movies and had several favorites she could happily watch again and again, including The Sandlot, Big, and Stand by Me.
Curious by nature, Marj had a lifelong love of learning. As a young girl, she would sit down and read the dictionary simply because she was fascinated by words—their meanings, how they were used, and, of course, making sure she spelled them correctly.
Traveling brought Marj great joy. She loved the beach and had a special fascination with lighthouses, collecting them over the years and visiting some in person during her travels. She also loved collecting seashells, but simply bringing them home was never enough for Marj. True to her curious nature, she took the time to learn about each one, identifying the different varieties, carefully labeling them, and preserving her collection.
And anyone fortunate enough to sit at Marj’s table knew what an incredible cook she was. She rarely needed a recipe and somehow had the ability to throw ingredients together and make something wonderful. If Marj was in charge of a family gathering, everyone knew there was little reason to bring food—she would have made more than enough for everyone, and every bit of it would be delicious.
At the heart of everything Marj did was her love for people. She spent her life caring for others, giving freely, loving deeply, welcoming people without judgment, and finding happiness in making life a little better for those around her.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Her generous heart, easy friendship, laughter, and unwavering love for her family touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Marj is survived by her husband, John Bensley III of Sac City, IA; children, Jeremy (Amber) Williams of Humboldt, IA, Nikki (Josh) Logan of Primghar, IA, and J.R. (Rebecca) Bensley of Odebolt, IA; grandchildren, Athena Williams, Averie, Scarlett, and Emma Logan, and Lilliana and Liara Bensley; sisters, Gail (Dave) Maach of Humboldt, IA, Sharon Williams of Ames, IA, and Diane Williams (fiancé Kent Segebart) of Humboldt, IA; father-in-law, Jack Bensley of Odebolt, IA; brother-in-law, Evan (Lori) Bensley of Lake Park, IA; sister-in-law, Tina (John) Gordon of Marcus, IA; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Dorothy Williams; infant sister, Melissa Williams; sister, Trish Winch; and mother-in-law, Carol Bensley.
Marj really appreciated and wanted to extend a special thank-you to the staff at UnityPoint Health–Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge for the care and kindness shown to her throughout the year while she received treatments there. Marj thought very highly of those who cared for her and specifically wanted her gratitude to be known.
