Mary J. Lencho

JANESVILLE - Born September 22, 1930, Mary Jane Lencho (nee Rigg) died at her home January 17, 2024, after a short stretch of hospice care. Mary entered the world in Harvey, IL, in south suburban Chicagoland. She was the daughter of William F. and Ethel (nee Van Schepen) Rigg. She married Milo Lencho in 1950. After Milo's death, she married his younger brother Robert Lencho in 1992.

After graduating high school in Blue Island, IL, Mary worked in the offices of Martin Oil and Clark Oil. She later worked in the business office at a hospital in Blue Island as well as in hospitals in Edmond and Guthrie, OK. Upon retirement, Mary continued her activities in the hospital environment, volunteering for 20 years in the hospital in Mountain Home, AR, and for a final year in Mercy Hospital in Janesville, WI. She was a versatile and expert homemaker, cook, Cub Scout den mother, dog lover, and supporter of youth baseball, basketball, and golf.

Throughout her life, the dominant impression Mary left was that of a vibrant, caring, social person. She always found ways to encourage and support her loved ones, and her circle of loved ones was quite large and inclusive. There was a subtle impishness in her demeanor, maybe best reflected by her colorful, sparkling fingernails, which attracted the attention of everyone she met.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and her sister, Norma Koehler. She is survived by her brother William Rigg, sons Mark and David (Rebecca) Lencho, stepson Brian (Sara) Lencho, stepdaughter Theresa Lencho, grandchildren Mabre (Jesse), Peyton (Elizabeth), Kyle, Žofia and Katarina, great-grandchildren Oriana, Milo, Aya and Dimitri, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, as well as numerous special friends.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. with a coffee and cheesecake reception following at the Roxbury Church of Christ, 2013 Roxbury Rd, Janesville, WI. Interment will be held at a future date at the First Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Alsip, IL.

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.