Grace Leila Benefiel
Grace Leila Benefiel, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Lynnwood after a long and valiant battle with cancer on August 25, 2000.
She was born in Kansas City, MO on September 22, 1922 and was preceded in death by her father, Gardner Perry Hawkins, Sr. in 1948.
Grace was a devoted Christian and an active, long-standing member of the First Baptist Church of Mountlake Terrace.
Grace leaves her beloved and devoted husband of 59 years, James D. Benefiel, Sr. They were married January 1, 1941 in Fort Leonardwood, MO at the height of World War II. They renewed their wedding vows during their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1991. Her family and friends were all blessed by husband Jim's devoted love and care during her illness.
She is survived by daughters, Barbara Kinney and her husband Dave of Seattle, Shirlee Brindle of Seattle; sons, James Benefiel, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Snohomish, Richard Benefiel and his wife Christine of Lynnwood; nine grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; two brothers, Gardner Perry (Pete) Hawkins, Jr., of Bothell and Verle A. (Jack) Hawkins of Arizona; numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
To quote a grandson recently, "....Grandma has been an awesome wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has been very courageous throughout all of this. We know we will see her again because of her faith in our Lord who gave his life for us that we might have eternal life....".
Remembrances may be made to the Grace Benefiel Memorial Fund of the First Baptist Church, Mountlake Terrace.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2000 from 3:00-7:00pm at Beck's Funeral Home, 405 5th Ave. S., Edmonds, 425-771- 1234.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2000 at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church, 22800 56th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043, 425-778-2046. Reception following at the church.
Private interment Restlawn Memorial Park, Edmonds, WA.
This notice was published: Tuesday, August 29, 2000.
Everett Herald