Mary Ann Benge

Mary Ann Benge, age 92, of La Grande and formerly of Heppner, died June 21, 2007 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life graveside will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the Heppner Elks Club.

Mary was born April 9, 1915, in Coffey, MO to Claude and Ethel Brumfield Cartwright. She had four siblings. Raised by her grandparents, she grew up in Coffey and graduated from Coffey High School at age 16.

After graduating, she met and married Dem Reninger and they had three children. They lived in Denver, where they were in the restaurant business before divorcing. In 1943, she moved to Heppner where she married Terrell Benge. They ranched on Social Ridge and Rea Creek until retiring in 1972.

Mary was active in the Ladies Elks and Eastern Star. She was known for her cooking, especially her sourdough bread. She also enjoyed playing cards and gardening and was an avid reader.

Survivors include her son, Michael "Butch" Benge of Falls Church, CA; step-daughter, Lynn Marie McDonald of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Terry Hughes of La Grande, Teresa Hughes of Heppner, Saderia and Tiffany Benge of Falls Church, VA, Leann Cardell of Omaha, NE and Cameron McDonald of Houston; six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Terrell; two daughters, Maryann and Joan; step-son, Ralph; a great grandchild; one brother and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation or any other charity.