In Memory
Mary (Mikesell) Benton
Jun 4, 1920 - Oct 13, 2017
Mary Mikesell Benton died Friday, October 13, 2017, in her home after a period of declining health. She was born in South Bend, Indiana, on June 4, 1920, to her parents Raymond and Laura Mikesell.
Mary met her husband Ralph in the early 1940's when he was completing advance Naval officer's training at Notre Dame University in South Bend. After they married, the couple moved to San Diego for the remainder of the war years, and then relocated to Chattanooga.
Mary's passion was to be a loving wife, a nurturing and supporting mother, and an efficient homemaker. Later in life she applied her keen sense of numbers and attention to detail to responsibilities as the manager of the Provident Employees Credit Union for 20 years.
Mary and Ralph enjoyed world travel, especially by cruise ships both large and small. They shared many great moments in China, New Zealand, and the European countries.
She was long a member of First Presbyterian Church, and was active in various women's and seniors' groups until her health declined.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Laura; her sister, Margaret Minczeski; her brother, Ray Mikesell; and her husband, Ralph.
She is survived by her four children: son, Steve (Sandy) Benton, Signal Mountain; and daughters, Dr. Laurel Yates, Los Angeles; Nanette (Fred) Carr, Signal Mountain; and Susan (Bill) Craig, Martinez, Ga. She is also survived by grandchildren, Emily Benton, Honolulu; Meredith Carr, Durham, NC; and Megan (Mitch) Newbold, Columbia, SC.; and by great-grandson, Blake Craig, Columbia.
The family would like to thank Alexian Home Health Care and their associates for their many services, and also Hospice of Chattanooga.
Services for Mary will be on Thursday, October 19, 2017, in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, at 1 PM. The family will receive friends in the church connector foyer beginning at 12 PM. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mary may contribute to the World Missions outreach program at First Presbyterian, or to a charity of their choice.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road.
Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com
04/03/2025 EJS
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