Margaret was born on July 18, 1937 in Los Angeles to Sally and Benjamin Louis Ortiz. Her fondest childhood memories were of living in Belen, New Mexico, where she graduated from high school. She attended New Mexico A & M and moved to Las Vegas in 1957, married, and later raised her three children as a single mother. In 1973, Margaret married George D. Benton.
A devoted mother and community member, Margaret was an active member of St. Christopher and Christ the King Catholic churches, and a Bishop Gorman High School parent and booster.
Margaret was a dedicated volunteer, working with Family Promise to shelter homeless families, and regularly served as a precinct Captain and campaign worker for a variety of Democratic candidates.
She was famous for her home cooking, especially her tamales and fudge, and enjoyed going to the movies, taking her family to Disneyland, and spending time with her beloved grandson.
Margaret was a working mother and retired in 2018 after 22 years at Roberts Roof and Floor.
Margaret was preceded in death by her son Michael Louis Pacheco; brothers Benjamin, Philip and Frank Ortiz; and sister Mildred Drake.
Margaret is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, George Donald “Don” Benton Jr.; son Philip Arthur Pacheco; daughter Mary Louise Sloan; grandson Andrew Sloan and his wife Leah; nephews Michael Ray and Dylan Shannon; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Margaret was much loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed. She will be remembered for always doing the ordinary in an extraordinary manner and for dedicating her life to the service of others.
A viewing will be held on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 6:00pm at Christ the King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Road with a Rosary to follow at 6:30pm.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 10:30am at Christ the King followed by an interment at Palm Eastern Cemetery (Lakeside view).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Promise of Las Vegas.
