Benita Veronica Mikesell's Obituary
Benita Veronica Mikesell, age 88, passed away at her home in Muskegon on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Benita was born on January 31, 1934, to her parents Edmund and Mary (Schelpfeffer) Mitchell in Muskegon, where she lived most of her life. A graduate from St. Jean’s High School, she went on to receive an associate’s degree from Muskegon Community College. On October 2, 1954, she married William Mikesell, and they spent 67 wonderful years together. She was a member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Muskegon since 2000, where she was involved in the Altar Society and the Prayer Line. She was proud to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and also to have been one of the founders of Muskegon Right to Life. She enjoyed playing cribbage, pinochle, and crazy rummy, and riding to the lake or spending time at Hoffmaster state park. She was one of the nicest and sweetest people, and she loved animals and cooking for her loved ones. She had a love for everyone, especially children, and considered them all a part of her family. She loved children so much that she worked for many years at Child Haven and had many daycare children. Benita and her beautiful smile will be lovingly remembered by her husband, William; nine children: Anthony Mikesell, Mary (George) Doppel, Denise Chirco, Bernard (Jodie) Mikesell, Elaine (Charles) Brinkert, Sarah (Steven) Prelesnik, John (Lashelle) Mikesell, Jill Mikesell, and William (Marianne) Mikesell; 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Bernadette Jacobson; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter Sylvia Joy Mikesell; grandson, Aaron MacPherson; and 12 siblings. A FUNERAL MASS will be taking place on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (239 W Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440). The ROSARY will be taking place at the church at 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 24, 2022, with VISITATION to follow from 7:30-9:00 PM, as well as from 9:00-10:00 AM on Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eternal Word Television Network or Muskegon Right to Life. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI, 49441
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