Mary Benton Benninger

Mary (Benton) Benninger, 84, of Gainesville, TX passed away October 5, 2013 at Pecan Tree Manor in Gainesville. She was born on March 13, 1929 in Newton, Iowa to Charles and Gladyce (Bicknell) Benton.

She graduated in 1946 from Muscatine High School in Muscatine, Iowa and from the Thompson School in Des Moines, Iowa. While in Des Moines, she also spent three years working as a dental assistant. Mary was married to Marvin Benninger of Muscatine at the Mulford Congregational Church in Muscatine on September 4, 1949.

Marvin’s 36-year career with Sears took he and Mary to numerous places, including Alton, Illinois; Columbia, Missouri; Lincoln, Nebraska; Omaha, Nebraska; Houston, Texas; San Angelo, Texas; Topeka, Kansas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In addition to her role as homemaker, Mary also found time to volunteer at local hospitals and participate in local election activities.

Retirement brought Mary and Marvin to Lake Kiowa in 1987. While in retirement, Mary was active in the Women’s Club, Gourmet Club, and the Ladies’ Golf Association. She also continued her involvement in the political process, overseeing the ballot box during various election contests. Mary also attended the Lake Kiowa Chapel.

Mary had a wide range of interests, and enjoyed card playing, crossword puzzles, fishing, golf, music and dancing, and reading, particularly mysteries. She had a lively sense of humor, and made many friends with her engaging disposition. To the end she retained her sunny demeanor, despite battling Alzheimer’s disease for approximately a decade.

She leaves her husband of 64 years, Marvin; her son Jim and his wife Alexa Dulchinos of Newton, Massachusetts; her son David and his wife Jackie of Houston, Texas; her daughter Diane and her husband Don Pass of Richardson, Texas; and a sister, Frances Weiershauser, of Flint, Michigan. In addition, she had eight grandchildren: Charlie Benninger and Katherine Benninger of Newton, Massachusetts; Brooke Benninger, Mark Benninger, Brett Benninger and Wade Benninger of Houston, Texas; and Phillip Pass of Melbourne, Florida and Julia Pass of Richardson, Texas.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9 at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville, with the Reverend J. Ray Smith officiating the service. Funeral arrangements were made by the George J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home in Gainesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Alzheimer’s Foundation, or to the charity or organization of your choice.