Born on February 20, 1926 to Edgar Paul Red and Iva Myrtle Mandrell Red in Oakdale Township, Washita, OK. Died on July 26, 2017 at the age of 91 in her beloved home in Merced, CA after a long bout with cancer.
Through it all she loved her country music. “ It kept her heart bubbly” , she said. And that it did. She leaves behind a daughter, Ronda Elene Benson of Merced, CA. A daughter-in-law, Linda Watson Benson, of OR. Four grandchildren; Malissa D. Cruickshanks (Jon), Lynnea Schertz, Paula McBride (Gideon) of Austin, TX, and Don Wesley Benson, of OR. Five great grandchildren; Jon Micheil Cruickshanks (Alicia), Jenny Cruickshanks, Vanessa Schertz Fleming, Gideon McBride, and Ava McBride. Four great, great, grandchildren; Aubrey Marie Cruickshanks, Makenzie Rae Cruickshanks, Julian Arteaga and Sophie Arteaga. Three sisters and one brother. Numerous nephews and a few nieces.
She was preceeded in death by her loving husband of 56 years and 3 days, Elbert, her son Donald Lee Benson, her mother and father and many other relatives.
A private funeral service will be held at the Merced District Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, she has requested donations be made to the El Portal Cancer Center, 3303 M. St., Merced, CA 95348
Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.
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