Phoebe Cora Benjamin

Phoebe C. Benjamin passed away Monday November 29, 2021 at the age of 95. The youngest of seven children, she was born on July 26, 1926 at Merced General Hospital in Merced, CA to James and Phoebe Rollston, who had emigrated from Ireland to America by way of Canada, arriving in Merced in 1923.

A lifelong resident of Merced, (excluding a few years living in Bootjack, near Mariposa) Phoebe spent her younger years on the family farm (still occupied by one of her sons) in the rural area known as “Tuttle”. She attended Tuttle School, and graduated from Merced High School in 1944. She worked for many years as the School Secretary at Charles Wright Elementary School, retiring in 1986.

Phoebe is survived by her four sons, Jack (Debra), Bob (Alyse), Dan (Debbie), and Brian (Trina), as well as her grandchildren Danny, Julia, Sarah, Leslie, and Ashley, and 8 great grandchildren, whom she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her lifelong love, husband of nearly 64 years Jack E. Benjamin, her parents, sisters Margaret and Martha, and brothers Rusty, Henry, Joe, and Robert.

Jack and Phoebe loved taking the boys camping and fishing, with Pinecrest being one of the favorite destinations. Later, they enjoyed traveling to many destinations with their travel trailer, joining friends in the California Drifters group. After retiring they enjoyed traveling around the United States and abroad, including visiting Phoebe’s relatives in Ireland.

Phoebe’s community service activities included helping feed the homeless and less fortunate at the Salvation Army. She was also the creator of many beautiful quilts, many winning awards, and was a member of the Gateway Quilters guild. She created and gave many quilts to Project Linus, which gives new handmade blankets to children in need of warmth.

The Benjamin Family thanks the staff of SEVA Hospice for the loving and compassionate manner in which they cared for Mom.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday December 7, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at Stratford Evans Funeral Home, 1490 B St, Merced. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Merced County Library, SEVA Hospice (5330 Pirrone Rd, Suite 302, Salida, CA 95368), or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Benjamin family.