BENSON, Estelle Wages

Mohave Daily News, Mohave Valley, AZ - Published in Mohave Daily News Online from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, 2014 - Estelle W. Benson, age 85, went to be with our Lord on January 24, 2014. Estelle was born into a family of 13 children. She was an adventurous young girl and left her birthplace, Bad Ridge, Virginia, to make a better life for herself. Estelle believed that hard work and honesty would reap her great benefits. She became a dedicated and persevering business woman and owned and over saw several businesses during her lifetime. A construction business in Riverside, Calif., an auction business in Leesburg, Fla., and she owned and operated Estelle's Country Kitchen restaurant in Lady Lake, Fla. for over 20 years. Most recently, 12 years ago along with her husband Earl, she purchased the failing Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale, Fla. Because of her love of music, this not only became a most popular country music venue, but she was able to save the jobs of approximately 12 musicians, singers and staff. Estelle's kind heart was always open to help the less fortunate and she would never turn down a request for help. She will be greatly missed by her many friends, acquaintances and business associates. Estelle is survived by her loving husband Earl of Summerfield, Fla.; three sons, Harold (Charlotte) Bullhead City, Ariz., Eric (Kellie) of Tavares, Fla., and Brian of Summerfield, Fla.; she also leaves behind her most cherished four grandchildren, Tracy, Cody, Cree, and Melodie; and one great-grandson, Tyler; sisters, Josephine Bryant of Coeburn, Va., Ruby Stanley of Caney Ridge, Va., Jacqueline Flemming of Clintwood, Va.; and many nephews and nieces. A celebration of her life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale, Fla. A private interment will take place at Lady Lake Cemetery, Lady Lake, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Lake Sumter Children's Advocacy Center, 300 S. Canal St., Leesburg, Fla. 34748 or for credit card donations, phone the Center at (352)323-8303 or go to webpage: www.cac4kids.org Condolences may be left at www.beyersfuneralhome.com, Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake/The Villages, Fla. in charge of arrangements.