Ann Benjamin, 87
Ann Benjamin, 87, peacefully passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, while surrounded by family. Born Anna Mae Carns on April 12, 1929, in Harrison, Idaho, she grew up in Carlin Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene. She attended Upper Carlin School, a one-room school house and graduated from Harrison High School in 1947. Her parents were Iva (Hollingsworth) and James Carns of Carlin Bay.
Our dear mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend endeared herself to each person she met. With her witty, gracious and caring personality, she wanted everyone to know she loved them. Ann lived a life that was motivated by generosity, love and value for everyone she met. She leaves a legacy that will be long remembered. For everyone who came to her house, her first question was “Can I get you something to eat?” Regardless of the answer, food soon appeared. She was ready to start up a pinochle game at a moment’s notice.
At the age of 18, Ann married Volney “Bob” McCold on Dec. 31, 1947. He was the neighbor’s son and had just back home from World War II. They were blessed with three children and were married for 43 years. In 1992, she met Willard McElroy and they enjoyed 10 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. They completed many remodeling projects on their home. On Sept. 13, 2003, at the age of 74, she married Orville Benjamin, who was then 92 years old. Ann and Orville were married 13 years before he passed in 2016 at the age of 104. She and Orville enjoyed Hawaiian cruises, gardening and working jigsaw puzzles. They moved to North Star Independent Living in February 2016. When she first visited North Star, she wanted to move immediately, saying “I feel like I just came in off the farm!”
She worked 20 years at Kootenai County Courthouse serving in both the Assessor’s and Vehicle License departments. Her most valued memories, however, were the times she volunteered with crisis victims at the hospital and through the Hotline. This was a place that she felt she could truly make a difference in others’ lives while expressing to victims the hope and love that radiated through her. She also volunteered her time as a scout leader.
For 60 plus years, Ann was an active member of First Baptist Church of Coeur d’Alene. In her faith she found sanctuary and meaning as expressed in the generations she mentored within her church family. Her heart and soul were in this church as well as its many members over the years. Ann found such hope, encouragement and growth in her faith within these walls, and it was her passion to see others come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Ann is survived by her three children, Mary Mills (Ronnie) of Carlin Bay, Paul McCold (Beth Rodman) of Berkley, Calif., and Bob McCold (Donna) of Cheney, Wash.; and sister-in-law Marienne Carns of Marysville, Wash. She has four grandchildren: Corenne Turney (Guy) of California, Shawn McCold (Jennifer Susedik) of Coeur d’Alene, James McCold of Spokane and Arica Dawe (Russ) of Nebraska. She has six great-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews regarded her as the center of the family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, James Leslie Carns and Donald Lee Carns.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at Kootenai Health and Hospice House. We would also like to thank North Star Retirement Community for their support and understanding.
In lieu of flowers, Ann requested that contributions be made to her church: First Baptist Church, 424 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at First Baptist Church, 424 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, with a reception following. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Ann’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.