Obituary
Stephanie Renee Benter (née Collins) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away on September 6th, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and Nana who had the biggest heart to exist on earth. Everyone who walked through her door was treated as family.
Stephanie was born on June 29, 1967 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri to Thomas A. Collins and MaryLou Collins (née Johnson). She spent her formative years in Grandview, MO, graduating from Grandview High School in the Class of 1985. Stephanie met her husband Michael in 1986 and they were married in 1988. Together they welcomed two sons, Michael in 1993 and Thomas in 1995. She had a twenty year career in the accounts recievable department at the University of Missouri Kansas City, followed by a couple wonderful years working for POAH Communities. She made many lifelong friends and wonderful connections through her professional life. One of her many hobbies was tending to her plants, which she loved to grow and nuture. Stephanie also enjoyed reading and was a big fan of Stephen King.
Stephanie was preceeded in death by her parents, Thomas A. Collins in 2012 and MaryLou Collins in 2011. She is survived by her husband Michael Benter of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; sons Michael Benter II (Taylor) of Blue Springs, Missouri and Thomas Benter of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; daughter Abbagail Mock of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; granddaughters Amber Lowe and Kira Benter; grandson Zaiyne Ferguson; sister Angela Lothamer of Raytown, Missouri; niece Kyli Lothamer of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; nephew Chance Lothamer of Raytown, Missouri; and many other close family and friends.
Honoring Stephanie’s wishes the family is hosting a Celebration of Life for Stephanie on Saturday, September 16th at 12pm at their home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.
Mike, Bruce and I are just now learning of Stephanie’s passing. We are so sorry to hear this. She was such a great person with an amazing spirit. We have been praying for you, Michael, Thomas, Angela, and everyone that has been near and dear to her over the years. Please know that we are thinking of you. Love Bruce and Sherri Landsverk
Happy Birthday to Stephanie Renee Collins. She was born June 29th, 1967 in Kansas City Missouri, to Tom and Mary Collins. Stephanie lived on a modest farm on the outskirts of Kansas City until she was 7. The Collins family moved into the first home they owned at 7409 E 119th Terrace in south Kansas City. Stephanie attended Ingles Elementary School, where she walked to school daily, with her sister. The family moved in 1978 to 13301 Manchester in Grandview. Stephanie attended Meadowmere Elementary School. From 5th grade forward Stephanie was on the city swim team and would ride her bike to swim practice Monday – Friday. The Collins family spent summers at lake Jacomo and traveled to many area lakes. Stephanie enjoyed camping, sailing, waterskiing, snow skiing, tennis, racketball, horseback riding and the many summers we spent in Wellsville Kansas watching our dad skydiving. Stephanie’s early dream as a child was to be a veterinarian. Her first job was babysitting for the neighbors and as soon as she turned 16 she became a lifeguard at Meadowmere Pool. Stephanie’s first car was the family green,1978 Ford Pinto Runabout. Stephanie and her best friend (Cathy Matthews) drove the Pinto everywhere possible. After Stephaine turned 18 she moved into the Daisy apartments in Grandview. Stephanie worked at Remco furniture rental where she met good friends Jon & Renee who introduced her to Mike Benter. Stephanie married and moved to Belton having her only children- two sons.