Viola May Benthin

Viola May (McFarling) Benthin passed away at Heron Woods on June 4, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Rev. Harley O. Benthin and two brothers Louis and James McFarling. Surviving are her children, Merrilie Benthin, Joyce Holverson, Carol Pettijohn, and Gary Benthin; grandchildren Christopher Samiadji-Benthin, Stuart Holverson, and Caraleigh Holverson; and great grandchild, Mila May Holverson; brothers Robert, Ted, Calvin, and George McFarling; sisters Jeanne Lange and Vivian Lowe; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

She was born near Huron, South Dakota, to Cyrus and Olive Taylor McFarling. She grew up on the family farm settled by her grandfather after a covered wagon trip from Iowa. The farm remains in the family today.

Viola, a 1969 graduate of Western Michigan University, taught in schools of South Dakota, Illinois, and Michigan for 25 years. An avid reader, she considered first grade the “best job in the world.” Retiring from the Cedar Spring Schools in 1983, she volunteered in several Grand Rapids schools and citizens for Better Care for many years.

She reveled in several years of Elderhostel travel adventures with her husband and made a number of trips abroad with her daughters and sisters. She always traveled with a sketchbook and also enjoyed working with water colors.

She shared her husband’s ministry serving in rural areas of North Dakota, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, and Michigan and was also involved in a number of organizations working to end hunger, poverty, homelessness, and injustice. One of her favorite local organizations was Heartside Ministries.

Please join the family for visitation Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 2-3pm at Orchard View Church of God. The Memorial Service will begin at 3pm at church, with Pastor Jonathan Frymire officiating. Viola will be laid to rest next to her husband, Harley, in South Dakota. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartside Ministries.