Alma S. Benzel

Alma “Allie” S. Benzel, a life-long resident of Ritzville, died at the age of 91 on Monday, July 1.

She was born on Nov. 17, 1921, to Jacob and Katherine (Schoessler) Ils at the family farm between Ritzville and Odessa. After graduating from Ritzville High School in 1939, she worked a variety of jobs before becoming a teller at Old National Bank.

In 1945, she married Lawrence W. “Larry” Benzel and together they operated Benzel Ford Sales for over 30 years, while raising three sons, Brian (Cynthia) of Spokane, Bruce (Vicki) of Ritzville, and Tom (Tracy) of Spokane.

She became the business manager for Ritzville Memorial Hospital after the boys began college. She later moved to Lincoln Savings Bank as the Ritzville branch manager and became an assistant vice president for Washington Mutual.

After retirement, she enjoyed her home, traveling with Larry, caring for her grandchildren, gardening, baking, golf and playing bridge with her long-time friends. She was active in a variety of community organizations in Ritzville, including the American Legion Auxiliary and the Red Cross. She served on the Adams County Hospital District board of directors. She was active in the Zion Philadelphia Congregational Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She loved her family and her community. She was a devoted friend and companion to many people in the Ritzville area. She had a beautiful smile, a warm personality and enthusiasm for life.

Larry preceded her in death in 2004.

She is survived by their children; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Danekas Funeral Home in Ritzville on Friday, July 12, from 12-5 p.m.

Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ located at 301 East Broadway in Ritzville. Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Zion Philadephia UCC.