In loving memory of
Myrtle Benson

• March 23, 1932
• -
• December 28, 2022

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Myrtle “Myrt” Evelyn Benson, 3/23/1932-12/28/2022

Myrtle “Myrt” Evelyn Benson, 90, of Ford City, PA went to her heavenly home on December 28, 2022. Myrtle knew that this earthly home, as beautiful as it is, was just her temporary home, and she was excited to experience a new life in heaven and rejoin her husband, Bill.

Myrtle was born on March 23, 1932, in Cleveland, OH to the late Hermina Emelia (Baars) Mack and Harry Mack.

Myrt dearly loved her family and friends and would do anything for them. Her loved ones will miss her loving heart, joyful outlook on life, creative spirit, and contagious giggle.

Myrtle graduated from Ford City High School and went on to receive a B.S. degree in Christian Education from Eastern University (formerly Eastern Baptist College). She met her husband, Bill, there. They married after graduation and began their lives together.

Myrtle obtained a teaching certificate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and taught second grade in the Ford City area for 25 years. Her second graders loved her, and she loved them in return. She had a passion for reading and instilled a love of reading in her students by reading aloud from books like Charlotte’s Web and The Boxcar Children. Myrtle liked to say that she never left second grade.

She was known for her excellent baking and cooking ability and was often found in her kitchen baking goodies or making delicious meals with their home-canned vegetables. When not in the kitchen, she enjoyed walking and could often be seen striding through the countryside.

She was passionate about music and sang in church choirs and choral groups throughout her life. Myrtle loved to harmonize and would frequently break into song. We called her our “Myrtle Bird.”

Myrtle loved camping when her children were young and later with her grandchildren. In their retirement, Myrtle and Bill spent winters in Fort Myers Beach, Florida for 25 years and took several road trips out west with friends and family.

Myrtle loved playing cards. She had a competitive spirit but was gracious with her losses.

She took up painting in retirement—first oil, and then watercolor. Her lovely paintings adorn many walls in the homes of her family and friends.

Myrtle had an amazing faith in God, which stood the test of time.

Myrtle is survived by her daughters Linda Trego and partner Don Wyant of Kittanning and Carol Stropki (Dan) of Solon, OH; son Thomas Benson (Ludmila) of Olympia, WA; grandchildren Will Trego, Marsha Trego (Alexandre Bondoux), Sarah Carney (Jason), and John Bics (Sarah); sister-in-law Maxine Blevins of Louisville, KY; special great-nephew Jay Benson (Ann) of Kingston, MA and great-niece Heather Gienapp (John) of Naples, FL; cousin Shirley Reznik of CO; dear friend and college roommate Phyllis Twiss; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, just six weeks prior; parents, Hermina and Harry Mack; infant daughter, Lynne Christine; and brother, Richard McEvoy (Esther).

The family is gathering together in a private memorial service. This summer, friends and family will be invited to attend a celebration of life party in Ford City, per Myrt’s request.

Myrtle cared deeply about her church family. Those who would like to contribute in Myrtle’s memory may do so by making a donation to Appleby Manor Memorial Presbyterian Church, 810 Main Street, Ford City, PA 16226.