Helen Ruth Benner, a resident at Sierra Winds in Peoria, Arizona, peacefully passed away at age 96 on May 17, 2018. She was the daughter of Gard Yaney and Goldie Charles of St. Henry, Ohio. Helen was raised on her parent’s farm where they produced thousands of turkeys for the holidays.
In 1957 Helen married Air Force Captain Ralph W. Benner beginning 45 wonderful years together. When Ralph retired from the Air Force, they traveled the world-visiting friends while continuing to raise holiday turkeys in Ohio.
After retiring from the turkey business and selling the farm, they moved to Leisure World in Mesa, AZ. Helen, an inveterate golf enthusiast, seldom missed a tournament in Arizona or anywhere as they traveled. She played her last tournament when she was 89. Displayed on her car was her personal license plate, Par 3. Winter trips to Mexico in their travel trailer brought them many new friends especially in Mazatlán where they usually settled for the winter. Ralph passed away in 2002 and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
For the last 17 years, Helen has been a very active resident of Sierra Winds enjoying many friendships and the various activities Sierra provided. Two of her special friends, Bud Pierson and Ken Sherman, preceded her in death. The staff at Sierra Winds, the very caring attendants in the health center and her many friends, especially her dear neighbor Verg Aramian, were fondly remembered. In her last days she was comforted by many visitors.
Helen is survived by her cousin Leonard Waymire (Vicki) of Dayton, Ohio, her Godson Lewis Shaw (Janet) of Dallas, Texas, her sister-in-law Alene Benner of Keller, Texas and nieces Heidi and Holly Benner of Fort Worth, Texas. Carlos Felton, his wife Sylvia, and his family from Mazatlán and the many Martinez family members now living in Tucson became a treasured part of Helen and Ralph's life. They were always considered their extended family.
Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to Sierra Winds Retirement Community at 17300 N 88th Ave, Peoria, AZ, 85382. Interment will be with her husband Ralph at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ.
