Mary Ethel Dean Boles Benzing, Boise, Idaho had a beautiful reunion with her loved ones in heaven on Feb 12, 2025. She lived a life rich in experience for all of her nearly 83 years. She ranged from Oklahoma to Kansas, Texas to Michigan, California to Idaho, Colorado to the Philippines, and many other places along the way. At some points she struggled to put food on the table and at other points she started and ran successful businesses. She was no stranger to rock bottom and despair, and she was even better acquainted with love and happiness. She was blessed with four children, two marriages, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many, many friends who were family to her. She was a woman of deep faith, influenced by her mother and aunt’s spiritual guidance. She loved gardening, kindled during her young days on the family’s farm in Oklahoma, which flourished throughout her life as she tended everything from delicate African violets to tomatoes for her homemade salsa. Her style was as bold as her personality-she was known for her purple ensembles, coordinated accessories, and fearless fashion choices that always included plenty of bling. Anyone lucky enough to know her would agree she was a force to be reckoned with. She loved fiercely and created beautifully. There has never been a better example of the quote:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming-WOW! What a ride!”
What a privilege it was to be able to join her on that ride. She was a light in this world and we were all blessed to be able to bask in her glow. Until we meet again Mom, Grammy, Nana, Grammy B & GG.