Minnie Marie Benbrook

Minnie Marie Benbrook, 90, Peoria, Ariz., formerly of Mt. Vernon, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada, following an illness of several weeks. She was born Nov. 26, 1923, in Chesapeake, Mo., to George Franklin Blevins and Dora Elsa Josephine Pryor Blevins. Minnie and Leo Carl Benbrook were married on Feb. 12, 1942, in Mt. Vernon, Mo. He preceded her in death on March 16, 1998.

Minnie was born and raised in Lawrence County, Mo., and spent virtually her entire life there. She has resided in Peoria, Ariz., the past three years. Minnie graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1941. After her marriage, she managed the family farm while her husband was away in World War II. Following his return, she owned and operated a restaurant for several years and then worked for the Missouri Chest Hospital for 25 years as a laboratory technician. Following retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively and were also tireless volunteers for those less fortunate. Along with her family, her church and Christian faith were the most important things in her life. Minnie was a member of the Grace Bible Church, Sun City, Ariz.

Survivors include three children, Carl Benbrook Jr. and his wife, Donna, Chesterfield, Mo., Marcia Benbrook, Peoria, Ariz., and Jeff Benbrook and his wife, Jan, Nevada; four grandchildren, Bradley Benbrook, Sacramento, Calif., Sarah Hittner, Denver, Colo., Scott Benbrook, Sedalia, Mo., and Emily Benbrook, Columbia, Mo.; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Blevins and Louis Blevins, both of Miller, Mo.; one sister, Thelma Hodges, Mt. Vernon; and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18, at the First Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon, with the Rev. Tim Burgess officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Mt. Vernon.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.