Marjorie Joan (McBride) Benke, 90, received her wish of returning home after a stay in the hospital battling Covid, before going to her Heavenly home on September 23, 2021. She had resided at her home in the Westside of Evansville almost 22 years. She was known to family and friends as Marge or Margie, but to my brother Mike and I, we called her Mom.
Marjorie was born to Roy Benedict and Hilda Juanita (Bullock) McBride on November 15, 1930. Being a very devoted Catholic, she lived out her faith and taught it to family and friends alike her whole life. She was as determined, smart, and outspoken as she was kind. She could be very strong in her beliefs and opinions, but also a very nurturing and supportive mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Marjorie lived her life with a physical handicap since 18 months of age, but never let it slow her down. She raised two children, babysat grandchildren and great grandchildren, all while socializing with friends and trying new things. She kept up with normal household duties and lived life. We all thought she went beyond what any person with a handicap could ever go. She made a huge impact on all of our lives, and there will definitely be a hole in our hearts that can never be refilled. She will be dearly missed more than she could ever imagine.
Marjorie was preceded in death by parents Roy and Juanita McBride, brother Jack McBride, sister Waynetta (McBride) Felstead (Charlie), and granddaughter Myranda L. Kloke.
Marjorie is survived by daughter Karen M. Benke, son Michael R. Benke (Tracey), granddaughter Michelle D. Benke, grandsons Bryan A. Benke and Bailey M. Benke great grandson Garrett F. Kloke, great granddaughters Jaida Benke and Camrie A. Mitchell, great great grandsons Elijah and Montra Shemwell, great great granddaughters Camyla and Nova Eastwood, and new great great grandbaby in March 2022, nieces and nephews Diana (McBride) Conn and family, Janice (McBride) Brown and family, Phillip Roy McBride (Sherry) and family, Daniel A. Felstead (Karen), great niece and nephews Robin (McBride) Scott and family, Michael McBride and family, and Zachary Felstead.
Too many friends to mention but special thanks to friends we considered family, Susie Waller and Deborah Gibbs.
Due to COVID, we will be celebrating Marjorie’s life at a graveside service at a later date. Her final resting place will be Saint Joe Catholic Cemetery. Thank you to St. Vincent’s Covid floor nursing staff. Special thanks to Annalee Wilson for being by her side, and administering Holy Communion as a last request in the hospital. Thank you to Denise Trambaugh for getting all of the hospital equipment to Marjorie’s house as her last request to be at home.
Jeff Happe says
I enjoyed getting to know Marjorie over the last couple of years. I learned a lot from her. She was always kind, informative and prayerful. I will miss her. She loved her family.
Martha Hollander says
Mrs Benke was a nice and special lady I have known her since my childhood and she could tell you stories about Karen and I Sorry for your loss and my God bless her and your family
Kent and Marty Adcock Hollander
Abie G says
I was Marjorie’s caregiver for a while and got to know her pretty well. She was so sweet and loved to tell stories. She always talked about her kids and grandkids. I have an ornament that she made me for Christmas and will cherish it forever. She was a spitfire and I loved every minute of it. She did have strong opinions, as said above, but they were always caring. She will be dearly missed.
Tracy Christian says
Karen I’m praying for you and your family. I know the pain of losing your mother but I also had peace knowing she was with my dad and the rest of my loved ones that has passed. I feel my mom is with me everyday and I pray you feel yours too. I’m here always if you need to talk. Love ya 🙏
Annalee Wilson says
Dear Karen and Mike,
What a privilege to know and have the opportunity to visit with your dear mother over the years. How blessed I was to care for her in the hospital in her last days, bring her Jesus in Holy Communion and assist her in getting home. She was such a special lady who loved the Lord and lived that love of Jesus. She deserved the best of care!
She will live on in the two of you and your families as she goes to her eternal reward. I also have been privileged to know the both of you since our childhoods. I hope our paths cross again on this side of heaven.
God bless you and yours with God’s comfort and peace.