Mary Ann Benavidez

Mary Ann Benavidez, 70 of Hemet, California passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Hemet Valley Medical Center in Hemet, California .Born Monday, January 20, 1941 in Merced, California , she was the daughter of Filiberto Diaz and Carmel "Belmontes" Diaz. She was the wife of Robert Benavidez. They were married 53 years. Mary Ann was a wonderful cook. Your favorite dish was her specialty. She was also known for her veggie tacos and spanish rice. Mary Ann loved to dance, she had good instincts and memory. She could recite dates and remember stories that amazed her family and friends. She loved to play keno at Soboba Casino and was known to have won a few jackpots in her time. Las Vegas was no stranger to Robert and Mary Ann and they enjoyed seeing shows by Cher, Wayne Newton and Anne Margaret. She even held Miss Margaret's hand when she sat in the front row. Her family describes her as hard working, tolerant, gracious, strong, and a feisty cleaner. She did keep an organized home and everything had its place.. She is preceded in death by her parents Filiberto and Carmel Diaz. She is survived by her husband Robert Benavidez, daughter Cynthia Smith and son Robert G Benavidez, sister Carmen Esquivel and Mary "Neenee" Franklin and Gloria Reynolds. Five grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.miller-jones.com