Posted on: Oneida Co. Id Obits Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Id/OneidaObits/10105 Surname: Bench, Mikkelsen, Carlson ------------------------- The Herald Journal, Sunday, 06/10/01 Afterward If there's an afterward, my dear, (Oh, surely there must be!) And you should go before I do, Oh, Please wait there for me. One lifetime could not be enough For this deep love we share, And it would not be heaven if I could not find you there. So, darling, stay close by the gate, Don't venture very far, Then we will spend eternity Beyond some distant star! — Unknown After a long, lonely battle, our dear sister, aunt and friend has gone to be with her sweetheart, family and loved ones. Jean M. Bench passed away April 18, 2001, at the Gardens Care Center in Kingman, Ariz. Born to Orville Edwin Mikkelsen and Bessie Carlson Mikkelsen July 22, 1920, in Malad, Idaho. Jean grew up in Smithfield, Utah and was educated in Cache County Schools. She married Leon Joseph Bench (Jimmy), of Preston, Idaho, Nov. 22, 1940. They lived and worked in Idaho, Seattle, Wash., and Utah. After serving heroically in the U.S. Army during World War II, Leon and Jean moved to Ogden, Utah, and then Clearfield, Utah, where he worked as a machinist and tool and die maker at Hill Airforce Base for 23 years. Jean worked at the Favorite Cleaners in Clearfield. Not having children of their own, their love and care was given to family, friends and beloved pet cats. After retirement in 1973, they moved to Kingman, Ariz. They loved the desert and enjoyed many years there. They were sweethearts for 40 years until Leon's death on Oct. 18, 1980. Preceding her death were her husband, her parents, a brother Leland and two sister, LuRay and Ruth. She is survived by one sister, Leora M. Dunn of Logan, Utah, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Jean was always modest and not extravagant, but generous to a fault when it came to helping friends and family. She was always honest and wise in her dealings with people. The family wishes to thank all those who have helped during her years of illness. Very special love and thanks to Jess Tracy, for his faithful friendship through the years. Graveside services were held April 24, 2001 at the Mountain View Cemetery in Kingman, Ariz. Donations may be given in Jean's name to the American Cancer Society.