Opal Mikesell Benedict  

Culver - Opal Mikesell Benedict, 90, of Culver , passed away Wedensday, Jan. 17, 2007 in St. joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.

Opal was born on May 20, 1916 in Culver to Claud and Clara (Easterday) Mikesell. SHe graduated from Culver High School and in 1937 married Eugene Benedict of Culver . Opal and Gene moved to East Chicgao for s short time and returned to Culver in 1945. They took up residency on the Benedict family farm located on 18B ROad. Opal assisted Gene on the farm and worked as his office manager during his tenur as executive secretary to the American Landrace Association. In the 1950s, Opal, proveded a kindergarden program in her home for many of the local children. Opal served as scretary of the Marshall Democratic Women and was on the steering committee that started Meals on Wheels program in Culver .

She was a member of Wesleu United Methodist Church, Culver City Club, and Monday Club. She was an avid reader and loved to play bridge and various other card games with her friends in Culver and Plymouth. She was also a member of Fitness Forum in Plymouth.

Opal is survived by her sons: EUgene Jr. (Cheryl) Benedict of Buchanan, Michigan and Culver and John Benedict of Culver ; granddaughtersL Susan (Brandy) Wells of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Sarah (Mike) Beno of Hong Kong; Katie (Seth) Friedman of Larchmont, N.Y.; and Rebecca (Aaron) Stachel of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandsons: Matthew (Gina) Benedict of Culver and Eugene Benedict II of Chicago, and six great-granchildren.

She was precded in death by her parents; her husband; and four brothers: Clurel, Arthur, DOn and Oscar.

visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 21, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Bonine Funeral Home, Culver , Funeral services too place on Monday, Jan. 22, at noon at Wesley Methodist Church, Culver .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Culver -Union Public Library or th the Culver Community Christmas Find c/o Marlene Mahler, Union-Township Trustee.

Bonine-Odm Funeral Home, Culver , is in chrage of arrangements.

Culver Citizen - 25 January 2007