Mary "Mary Lou" Lucille Benham

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Lou Benham (Winters) who peacefully passed away April 11, 2025 after a two year struggle with dementia. She was surrounded by her loving family as she left this world dancing to Heaven. Mary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 14, 1941, graduated from Comstock Park High School and promptly headed to New York to study Dance.

Mary was creative, a dancer, a devoted Mother and dedicated business owner.

She was the proud founder of “Mary Lou’s School of Dance/Academy of Dance Arts” where she spent decades inspiring generations of students. Through her passion and grace, she touched the lives of so many. Her kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering strength will be remembered always.

Preceded in death by her siblings, Jeane, Patricia, and Robert. Mary Lou is survived by siblings, Margaret Wilson, Marilyn (John) Free, and George (Karen) Miller III. Her children, Becky Flores, James (Karyn) Loeks, Charles Seebold, and Jason Loeks. Grandchildren, Christina (Travis) Spoor, Gunner Loeks, Nick Seebold, and Jackson Loeks. Great Grandchildren, Caleb Gebott, Kamden Gebott, Henry Spoor and Lilli Seebold. Mary Lou also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and will miss her Mac’n’cheese she served with 100% LOVE.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Marge's Donut Den, 1751 28th st. SW. Wyoming, MI 49519. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Samuel Omogo Foundation for a school in Nigeria or Jose Quintana to feed kids in Durango, Mexico. Two charities Mary Lou loved because they are helping kids.

Rest in Peace Mary Lou. You lived a full and beautiful life. You will be deeply missed and forever loved by many.