Benito Mariano Flores

Ben served his country with the U.S. Army.

May 26, 2001 found Ben standing with Marci Struckman in the Nespelem, Washington home of Marci’s parents, exchanging wedding vows. Ben was very proud to have achieved his associate’s degree from Big Bend Community College and completing his Pipefitter’s Apprenticeship becoming a Journeyman Pipefitter working at the Grand Coulee Bureau of Reclamation. Ben was proud of his heritage as a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, belonged to the Catholic Church and the Grand Coulee Moose Club where he was an avid pool-shark player. Ben also enjoyed reading books, cooking, watching martial arts movies while eating his fabulous stir-fried Top Ramen or takeout from the Siam Palace and being “The Master of Home Repair”.

Ben’s greatest love though was spending time with his family, through whom his legacy continues: His bride: Marci R. Flores of Coulee Dam, WA; daughters: Hallye R. Flores (Clinton Tom) of Aberdeen, WA, Nasha L. Flores of Coulee Dam, WA, Sylvia Flores-Fuch of Munich, Germany, Christy Deyo Groen (Wade) of Greenville, North Carolina, and Danielle Flores-Eldridge of Beaverton, OR; step-sons: Jeff Nanamkin (Becky) of Mt. Vernon, WA and Josh Nanamkin (Tammy) of Port Orchard, WA; grandchildren: Kahnyka R. Flores-Nanamkin, Theoden Tom, Teyten Flores, Skyla Flores-Thomas, Eddie Vance, Cain Vance, and Hunter Nanamkin and his sister: Paula Espiritu.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents: Ben Pascua Flores Sr. of Manila, Philippines and Mary Louise Gua Flores of Nespelem, WA; his son Benito “Benny” P. Flores Jr. of Coulee Dam, WA; and a sister: Sylvia (Silver Rose) Flores.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, WA, with a Mass and Celebration of Ben’s life being held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Nespelem Community Center in Nespelem, Washington. At Ben’s request cremation will take place following his services.

His family suggests that donations be made in Ben’s name to the Grand Coulee Moose Lodge, 216 Continental Heights, Grand Coulee, WA 99133. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA is honored to be assisting Ben’s family.