Mariem M. (Mills) Benbow, 91, Upland, received her heavenly reward at 6:44 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Edward Lewis and Maude Bell (Drawlinger) Mills.
At the age of five, Mariem moved to the Gas City/Jonesboro area and made this her home for the rest of her life. She married Robert N. Benbow in 1960, and he preceded her in death on June 10, 2007. Mariem worked as a press operator at Crystal Cleaners in Jonesboro.
Mariem was an avid Colts and Pacers fan for many years with Peyton Manning and Reggie Miller being her favorite players. She was also a follower of NASCAR and especially enjoyed watching her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon.
Family and friends always looked forward to eating Mariem’s pies. She baked the best pies and was a great cook. She played solitaire in her leisure time. Mariem also loved playing the guitar and listening to bluegrass, country, and gospel music. She cherished each moment with her family and friends and always enjoyed their visits over the years.
Loved ones to cherish her memory include her children, Willnetta “Billie Jean” Gerstorff, Upland, Charles (Grace) Ritter, Upland, Elvin (Deb) Ritter, Marion, and Fred (Deborah) Ritter, Van Buren; daughter-in-law, Deb Ritter, Texas; sister, Toby (Jim) Younis, Tennessee; brothers, Ted (Sandy) Mills, Gas City, and Thomas (Dotsy) Mills, Gas City; 27 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by children, Lena Salizar and Henry “Butch” Ritter; sisters, Ruth, Kate, Betty, Lucille, and Violet; and brothers, Fred, Chuck, and Kenny.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
Services are at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the Recreation Department and Alzheimer’s Unit at University Nursing Home, 1564 S. University Blvd., Upland, IN 46989
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.