THOMASTON — Janet Marie Benner died peacefully on Feb. 12, 2016, after a long illness, at Windward Gardens in Camden. Janet was born Oct. 27, 1940, in Bangor to parents Charles Rackliff and Elaine Richards Rackliff.

Janet attended local schools in Waldoboro and Rockland. She also took courses through the University of Maine. In March 1958 Janet married the love of her life, Bill Benner, and together they made their home in Rockland and Warren while raising their four children.

Janet wore many professional hats in her lifetime. Most important to her was her dedication to her home and family. Janet was an avid gardener and enjoyed tending her vegetables and flowers. Putting her vegetables to good use, she took pride in canning and preserves.

An artist by nature, Janet honed her painting skills later in life and eventually helped teach classes. Her art can be found throughout the Midcoast area. Janet won awards for her crochet work and was accomplished at knitting, sewing and needlework. A lover of music, she was self-taught and couldn't pass by a piano without "tickling the ivories.”

Janet enjoyed working throughout her life, while raising her children, through employment at Sylvania's and Bear Hill Market in Waldoboro along with the local fish canneries in Rockland. Volunteerism was important to Janet as she offered her time at Pen Bay Medical Center, Thomaston Food Pantry, local granges and Thomaston Baptist Church. She was also treasurer of the Lincoln Association for many years.

Janet was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Diane Allen; her former husband, Bill Benner; and her sister, Judy Dewalt.

Left to cherish her memories are her sons, William Benner II and his wife, Candy, David and his wife, Diane, of Warren, and Charles Benner of Rockland; her brothers, Ralph and his wife, Donna, Robert and his wife, Estelle, of Rockland, Donnie and his wife, Grace, of Unity, and Larry Rackliff of Swanville; her sisters, Marianne Fowler and her husband, Bill, of Jefferson, and Linda Allen and her husband, Carleton, of Swanville. She is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A time of remembrance will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St. in Waldoboro, with the Rev. Wayne Sawyer officiating. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Janet had requested that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at donors@stjude.org

Halls of Thomaston has care of the arrangements.