Merle Virginia Benton was born July 17, 1930, in Burton, Texas to Earl Edward and Alma Landau Wilkening. At the early age of 13, she and her family moved to Pasadena. She later graduated from Pasadena High school. After graduation and marriage to Harold D. Benton, she immediately started a family and became a stay-at-home mother. Years later she joined the workforce with her husband at Phillips Petroleum working in the secretarial field. After enough of the 9 to 5 world she decided to open her own business, so she attended beauty school and eventually started her own beauty shop known as The Powder Puff in Deer Park, Texas. After a successful run of 7 years, she sold her business to become a full time stay-at-home mom for her four children.
Her greatest passion that brought her the most joy was always family. She enjoyed our summer beach weekend getaways, the family camping trips to Garner State Park, and the cross country road trips. She will always be remembered for her unconditional love of her husband and family, along with all the many personal sacrifices made to never be forgotten by all who loved her.
Merle was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Harold Dewitt Benton, her parents Earl and Alma Wilkening, her daughter Julie Ann King, her brother Jack Wilkening and sisters, Shirley Hartman and Sue Burke. She is survived by her brother Edward Earl Wilkening, her children Steven Benton and wife Cheryl Benton, Terry Benton and Kelly and husband Gary Goldsberry, grandchildren; Christy and husband Shawn Thornton, Steven Benton Jr. and wife Amanda; Amy Cole and husband Adam; Jeremy Goldsberry; Jennifer Perez and Rob King, Great grandchildren; Caitlyn Rene Thornton, Hayden Elizabeth Benton, and Brooklyn Perez.
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