Obituary of Doris Ruth Benner

Belfast - Doris Ruth (Kelley) Benner of Belfast passed away peacefully at her home on February 28, 2018 and lived a full life of 94 years. Doris was born on August 6, 1923 in Washburn, ME to Percy & Blanche (Work) Kelley. She married the love of her life, Bill Benner, on November 27, 1941 and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. She worked at Waldo Shoe until she and Bill opened their business, Benner's Auto Service, where she did the bookkeeping for 62 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and a caregiver to many family members. She loved to give cards to others and never missed an occasion. She was a great cook and always liked to cook for an army of people or whoever Bill brought home for supper when he was fixing their cars. It never mattered how many were at her table. She also never turned down an opportunity to go out to eat. Doris loved her annual shopping trip with the girls. Put a shopping cart in her hands and she was off before others were out of the car. No one could keep up with her. She and Bill spent many weekends at their camp on Frye Mountain with family & friends. They also enjoyed traveling with their dear friends, Carleton & Mary Curtis. Florida winters were a treasured memory for her as well as summer vacations at Moosehead Lake with friends. That Ford van traveled a lot of miles and held many of stories that are still told today. Although Bill attempted many times to show her how to drive, Doris never went to get her driver's license. Bill said Doris drove in the garage parking lot once between 2 cars and parked so close you couldn't put a piece of paper between them. She is predeceased by her husband, Earl William (Bill) Benner, her parents, her brothers, Phillip Kelley, Gordon Kelley, Kenneth Kelley, Robert Kelley & Billy Kelley, many nieces and nephews, and a special black lab named Duke. She leaves behind her children, Gloria Bailey of Belfast, John Benner & wife Belinda of Belfast, grandchildren, Shawn Bailey & wife Susan of Belfast, Penney Bailey of Belfast, Aaron Mitchell & special friend Georgia of Seattle, WA, Zach Woods & wife Jenelle of Montville, and great granddaughter Jayme Riley & husband Bruce Riley Jr of Searsmont. The family would like to thank her Doctor, James Delehanty, for all the care she received. Doris thought the world of him - like a family member. Per the family's wishes, funeral services will be planned at a later date. A graveside service in the spring is expected with a Committal for both Doris & Bill. Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com