Arlene Root Benn

Arlene Root Benn Formerly of Mulliken Age 87, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2011. She was born September 22, 1924 in Ionia, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Marjorie Knapp. Arlene was the last surviving member of "Michigan's Own Knapp Family." She spent her early years performing musically with her family, including weekly performances on WKAR radio. After raising her two daughters, she and her husband traveled many places with their camper and made new friends everywhere they went. Arlene always looked on the bright side of things and will be remembered as a fun loving friend to all. Surviving are her daughters, Marlene Smith of Arizona and Pam (Doug) Lilly of Grand Ledge; 5 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Lenard Root and Earl Benn. Services 11 a.m. Saturday at Barker-Leik Funeral Home, Mulliken, with Pastor Gary Simmons officiating. Interment will be in Meadowbrook Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 - 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eaton County Medical Care Facility, Charlotte.

Published in Lansing State Journal on December 8, 2011