Jennifer Lynn Nihiser, 56, of Maroa, IL passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion is assisting the family with arrangements. Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to The 31 Heroes Project.

Jennifer was born on January 11, 1960 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Chester E. and Idella Marie (Phelps) Jones. She married Steven Nihiser on May 13, 2005. She was a homemaker and the suite keeper manager for Homewood Suites in Forsyth, IL. Jennifer enjoyed cooking, gardening, music and singing. She was a St. Louis Cardinal, NASCAR and Mark Martin fan. Jennifer adored her grandchildren and loved taking care of her family and “adopted” her children’s friends.

Jennifer is survived by her husband: Steve Nihiser of Maroa, IL; children: Katherine Ward and her husband Scott of Norfolk, VA, Marissa Benge and her fiancé Thomas Dine of Granbury, TX, Patricia Benge of Granbury, TX, Heather Nihiser and her husband Sean Graham of Decatur, IL, Samantha Benge and her fiancé George Matherly IV of Decatur, IL and Lindsey Nihiser of Maroa, IL; siblings: Rachel Hill of Plano, TX, Irene McCoskey of San Antonio, TX, LaVonne Chaney and her husband Ron of Shelbyville, IL, Carol Nixon of Converse, TX, Loretta Layton of Argenta, IL, Margaret Warnick and her husband Gary of Columbus, OH and Sonny Jones Jr. of San Antonio, TX; four grandchildren: Jonathan, Owen, Roxy and Idella.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.