Mary Bengtson-Almquist, 62, of Petersburg, died at 9:48 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. Mary was born December 25, 1951 in Omaha, NE, the daughter of Erwin G. and Pearl Luckiesh Bengtson. She married David Almquist on May 27, 1978 in front of a judge, and on May 27, 1992, their 14th anniversary; they were married in a religious ceremony. Mary was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and majored in Social Services at the University of South Dakota at Vermilion. She worked for the State of Iowa in Human Services during the 1970's and worked at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Mary helped those with special needs, was a case manager, and worked for Senior Services of Sangamon County in Menard County. She owned a small farm in Iowa and was a wonderful cook. Mary had a great love for horses, cats and dogs. She was a master gardener of tomatoes and enjoyed canning. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Daniel Bengtson. She is survived by her husband, David Almquist; one uncle, Joe Luckiesh of Iowa; one aunt, Mary Collins of Iowa; two nephews; one niece; four sisters-in-law; long time care giver, Linda Brown; one dog, Olivia; and two cats, Clara and Harold. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The Memorial Gathering will begin with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 or Animal Protective League, 1001 N. Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.