Reuben Stence, Managing Broker and Owner
After graduation from Newton Community High School in 2007, Reuben pursued a degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. Reuben took his first teaching job in 2010 in a small school by Mt. Vernon and transferred back to Oblong to teach in 2011. After moving several times for school and work, Reuben decided to obtain his real estate license after several negative transactions with realtors. The driving force was to treat the customer with the utmost respect and always be fair and honest in any deal. These values still hold true in the transactions he completes today. Reuben married Erica (Thompson) Stence in 2010 and started the process of moving back to Marshall and Clark County to teach and be closer to family. In 2013, the property of their dreams came available and they bought it in hopes of reestablishing the family farm. The pastures of Oval Ridge Farm are now filled with registered Angus cattle with genetics being marketed all across the country.
In November of 2021, Reuben and Erica decided it was time to begin their own team focused around the traits they believe should be in a realty office. The office of Stence Realty Team is now a client focused/family focused realtor office located in the heart of Marshall and serving all of East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana. In the Stences' spare time, they love spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with family. Reuben cherishes the time he gets to spend with his beautiful wife and two children Lucas and Natalie. Hard work, honesty, dedication, and determination have shaped Reuben’s personal and professional life and he looks forward to putting those traits to work for you.
Carol Rice, Broker
Carol was born and raised in the Wabash Valley. She attended Ivy Tech in Terre Haute and studied Business Management. She then moved to Marshall, IL in 1991 where she later married her husband Roy. From there she received her Real Estate license in both Indiana and Illinois. Her and Roy moved several times in IL to pursue his career and Carol continued working in sales, marketing and advertising while selling Real Estate part time. During the last 9 years Roy and Carol have lived in Marshall, IL as she worked as a full time Real Estate agent for Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and Troy Helman in Indiana. Carol began working at Stence Realty Team in early 2022.
In the Rice’s spare time they love spending time with their wonderful children; a daughter Ashley and 2 sons Cole and Cody, and 6 beautiful grandchildren. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to her clients and customers. Her success in Real Estate is built on client referrals and repeat business. Carol is a hardworking, focused professional that has built a reputation based on honesty, integrity, and commitment. She is constantly researching the latest technologies, tools, and services so that her clients benefit with the sale or purchase of their home. As a full time Real Estate Broker/Transaction Manager at Stence Realty Team, she can meet all your needs, whether you are buying or selling a property.
Wes Smith, Broker
Wes graduated from West Richland High School in Noble, IL in May of 2007. After graduation, Wes pursued a degree in Business Management by way of Olney Central College and Eastern Illinois University. After graduating, he married Madison (Stence) Smith in 2011 and accepted a position for Cabela's World Headquarters in Sidney, Nebraska. The move away from home and family was tough, but it is something that he says to this day did nothing but make them stronger together. After working for Cabela's for 5 years and earning multiple promotions, Wes accepted a new position back closer to home and family. Shortly after the move back, a property that couldn't be passed up became available and that is where Wes's love for homes and helping people all started. The Smith's have been happily planted now for over 5 years in Lawrence County, Illinois. Recently a new addition came into Wes and Madison's life by the way of a baby boy! Wryland Bryant joined the Smith crew and turned the happy couple into a happy family!
When the Smith's have some spare time, you can find them enjoying time together. Some things they enjoy are spending time with other family members, fishing, hunting, and eating somewhere new! Wes's love for bass fishing has translated into fishing competitively regionally and you will find Madison and Wryland right by his side! Wes was inspired to get his real estate license because of his love for helping people. Throughout his life he has been an extremely dedicated and hard worker and will not stop until the job is completed. The traits of hard work, ethics, and communication are what he is looking forward to putting to work for you whether you are looking to buy or sell your next home.
Beth Smothers, Broker
Beth grew up in Lawrenceville before moving to Robinson with her family. Upon graduating from Robinson High School, she attended college in St Louis, MO. Soon after college, she moved to Indianapolis to work as a leasing agent and also earned her Indiana Real Estate License and her love for the real estate business blossomed. Deciding she missed small town life she moved back to Crawford County in 1993 but always knew she would pursue real estate again. After marrying her husband, JD, in 1995 they settled down in Oblong to raise their daughter Connor and son Jake. Connor is now 26 and married to Kurt Williamson and they recently welcomed their first child, daughter Ainsley James! Beth and JD are over the moon to be grandparents! Jake is 19 and attends Lincoln Trail College where he is a member of their golf team. He will graduate in May with a degree in Process Technology.
Once her children were older, Beth obtained her Illinois Real Estate License in late 2018 and began closing on properties soon after. Her knowledge and honesty, combined with her integrity and dedication to her clients have helped Beth become a known agent in Crawford and surrounding counties. With her proven track record, she is ready to get to work for you whether you are buying or selling!
Chelsea Nye, Broker
Chelsea is a real estate agent who works exclusively in the Crawford County area. By staying current in the local market she can help you whether you are buying or selling a home. As a real estate professional she offers services that you may not be aware of; such as the current market value of your home, market trends, current home stats, or even staging expertise. She looks forward to coming alongside you for your real estate needs.
Jessica Key, Broker
Jessica graduated from college with an associate’s in applied science in 2012. Being able to help people is what drew her towards real estate. She's spent her life helping others and felt this was the perfect way to continue fulfilling her passion. Born and raised in Edgar County, she lives in Paris, IL with her husband Kody, and son Hunter. Her daughter Karson and son-n-law Waylon live in Casey and have blessed her family with three beautiful grandchildren - Kaysen and Addi Kate who are 4, and their little sister Suttyn who is 2. Being a Nana is one of the biggest blessings in her life.
In Jessica's spare time, she loves spending time with her family. In the summer months, you will find her family at the lake soaking up the sunshine, swimming and tubing. When it’s too cold to be on the lake, Jessica and her husband can be found working on projects. They love buying homes and bringing them back to life. Jessica looks forward to bringing her passion for helping others to Stence Realty Team!
Chris Myers, Broker
After graduating from Ivy Tech Community college in 2013 with a degree in Information Technology, Chris spent over a decade serving her community as a 911 dispatcher. As an empty nester, she decided to make a bold shift and follow her lifelong dream of becoming a real estate broker. With a deep passion for homes and a natural drive to assist others, Chris found her true calling in real estate. She is committed to not just help clients buy or sell properties, but to guide them through the process with care, integrity, and a personal touch. In her free time, she loves spending quality moments with her family, exploring new hobbies, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Chris is excited to begin this new chapter, meet amazing people, and be a trusted partner in turning their real estate dreams into reality.
Shayna Monroe, Broker
First meeting as teenagers, Shayna and her husband have been together for over 15 years. They live in West York on a small farm with their 3 children - 2 girls and a boy. Shayna has spent most of the last 14 years being a stay at home mom, but in the last year, worked as the head cook at Lincoln Elementary in Robinson, IL. Shayna's husband pushed her to follow her dreams of becoming a broker. Her passion is to help people find their home, not a house!
Lorri Dunn, Broker
A long-time resident of the Casey and Greenup communities, Lorri, alongside her husband Matt, raised their family in Greenup before settling south of Casey. With three grandchildren adding joy to her life, Lorri has also been a constant presence in the media advertising world for over 30 years, building lasting relationships with clients through her dedicated customer service and professional approach. Lorri's commitment extends beyond her career; she is deeply passionate about animal welfare and serves as the president of Rescuing Unwanted Furever Friends (RUFF), a 501 C 3 organization she proudly founded in 2013. Though not currently active in rescuing, Lorri still networks for many rescues in the area and is a strong voice for animal in need.
Lorri's keen understanding of market dynamics and the art of effective problem-solving translates directly into exceptional customer service, ensuring a smooth and successful experience whether you're buying, selling, or investing. She's ready to listen, advise, and advocate for you every step of the way.
Michelle Wymer, Broker
Michelle grew up in Brazil, Indiana where she met her husband, Scott and were married in 2005. They relocated their family to Marshall 15 years ago. She is also a Registered Nurse with Home Care which has given her a fresh perspective on the value and importance of “home”. She has had a longstanding interest in architecture, design, and staging which led to her desire to help buyers and sellers envision their next chapter. She enjoys being part of that journey and strives to make every client feel supported, informed, and right at home from start to finish.
Brittany Whitaker, Broker
Brittany is a dedicated mom of two, and proud member of the Stence Realty Team who values family, community, and building lasting relationships. She and her fiancé, Kyle, are proud to be raising their family in the community they love, where they enjoy giving back and supporting local events and organizations. After successfully owning and operating her own businesses, Brittany made the decision to step back to focus on raising her children. During that time, she continued developing her skills, refining her goals, and preparing for the next chapter of her professional journey. Since beginning her real estate career, Brittany has had the privilege of helping buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s biggest milestones. She believes buying or selling a home is more than a transaction—it’s a personal journey—and she prides herself on providing attentive communication, strong organization, and genuine support from start to finish.
Known for her strong work ethic, integrity, and heart for helping others, Brittany is committed to making every client feel confident and cared for throughout the process. Outside of real estate, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and being involved in her local community. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current property, or searching for your next chapter, Brittany is passionate about helping you Open Doors, Close Deals, and Create Dreams.
Sarah Vandevender, Transaction Coordinator