Obituary of Alma Benzel
Alma "Allie" S. Benzel, a life-long resident of Ritzville, WA, died on July 1, 2013 at age 91. Allie was the last survivor of eight children born to Jacob and Katherine (Schoessler) Ils. She was born on November 17, 1921 at the family farm between Ritzville and Odessa. After graduating from Ritzville High School in 1939, Allie worked a variety of jobs before becoming a teller at Old National Bank. In 1945, she married Lawrence W. "Larry" Benzel and together they operated Benzel Ford Sales for over 30 years while raising three sons: Brian (Cynthia), Spokane, Bruce (Vicki), Ritzville, and Tom (Tracy), Spokane. Larry died in 2004. She has nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. As the boys began college, Allie became the business manager for Ritzville Memorial Hospital. She later moved to Lincoln Savings Bank as the Ritzville branch manager and became an assistant vice president for Washington Mutual. After retirement, she enjoyed her home, traveling with Larry, caring for her grandchildren, gardening, baking, golf and playing bridge with her long-time friends. She was active in a variety of community organizations in Ritzville, including the American Legion Auxiliary and the Red Cross. She served on the Adams County Hospital District board of directors. She was active in the Zion Philadelphia Congregational Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. Allie loved her family and her community. She was a devoted friend and companion to many people in the Ritzville area. She had a beautiful smile, a warm personality and enthusiasm for life. We will miss you mom, grandma, and GiGi. God bless you. Visitation will be at Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville on Friday July 12, 2013 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM. Burial will be at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery at 10 :00 AM on Saturday, July 13, 2013 with Memorial services to follow at 11:00 AM at Zion Philadelphia UCC., 301 E Broadway, Ritzville, WA 99169. Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.
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