Benesh, Gwynifred Arvilla Achenbach

Gwynifred Arvilla Achenbach Benesh, 100, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, at Hallmark Care Center, Mount Vernon.

She was born to Ella Van Fossen and Jacob Edison Achenbach in Lisbon on Jan. 1, 1912 (three months before the sinking of HMS Titanic). Gwyn attended school in Lisbon. Her father was a dairy farmer and Gwyn helped him deliver milk in addition to doing farm chores. In 1933, she married Frank J. “Zeke” Benesh in Fort Madison. They made their home in Mount Vernon.

Gwyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sisters; two brothers; and her only son, Frank.

Gwyn is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lynda Benesh; grandson, Mark, and his wife, Sarah; granddaughter, Kim, and her husband, Mark; and seven great-grandchildren, McKenna, Thomas, Emily, Emma, Martin, Lydia and Charlie.

Gwyn saw many changes in her life. She kept busy by working around the home, baby-sitting, and Women's Club. Gwyn was very handy at arts, crafts, and sewing. She had made several room-size braided rugs and also did needle work. For her enjoyment, she played piano, organ and loved to read. Gwyn read a Harlequin Romance in a day. Ceramics was also one of her favorites.

Gwyn loved her family and she will be greatly missed.

An open house for Gwyn will be Sunday, Nov. 18, from 2 until 5 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon. There will be a private family graveside service at Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements with Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon.

Instead of flowers and plants, memorials in Gwyn's honor may be sent to the Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance, 213 First St. W, or First Presbyterian Church, 309 First St. NW, both of Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

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Published Nov. 16, 2012 in The Gazette