Marie C. (Williams) Beenken

Marie Beenken peacefully left this world, after 82 years, and was welcomed into God’s nearer presence on Friday, August 26, 2016.

Funeral services for Marie Beenken will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue North East in Clarion, with Pastor Mike Gudka officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Marie Cidney (Williams) Beenken was born February 22, 1934 in Popejoy, Iowa to Fred and Lela Maye (Swearingen) Williams. She was raised and educated in rural Dows.

Marie was united in marriage to Donald J. Beenken on June 30, 1951 in Clarion. To this union, children Marilyn, Dennis, Robert and Dave were born. The couple made their home for a time in Dows before settling in Clarion.

Marie was a member of the Lydia’s circle of the Clarion United Methodist Church and enjoyed working at the annual fall bazaar.

Marie enjoyed watching soap operas and the weekly Lottery drawings on Wednesday and Saturday nights. She had fond memories of their annual family trips to visit family in Wisconsin over the Fourth of July. She will be lovingly remembered for her stubborn and feisty temperament.

Marie is survived by her children, Marilyn (Karl) Olsen of Clarion and their children Brent (Lisa) and Dr. Chad (Deana) and families, Dennis Beenken of Clarion, Robert Beenken of Clarion and his children Robin, Wendy and Dustin and families, and Dave Beenken of Kanawha and his daughter Taylor; along with several great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald in 1997, and sister Emma Lester in 1995.