Obituary Mary Lou Benitz, 81

Mary Lou McKibben was born on August 7, 1944, in Wrangell, Alaska, to Lena (Ellis) and Al McKibben. The youngest of three children, she especially looked up to her big brother Skip. She grew up working with her parents on their power troller Mrs. Mac, and spending time at the family homestead on Farm Island up the Stikine River. Her family moved to Petersburg when she was in high school and, while she grew to love it, she was very proud of her Wrangell heritage and would always remember her tearful move to Petersburg.

After graduating from Petersburg High School she met the love of her life while working at Petersburg Fisheries – she in the egg room and Earl Nelson Benitz in the cold storage. They were married in St. Andrew's Church on August 29, 1964 and after a honeymoon trip to Mt. McKinley went to Fairbanks where Earl earned a teaching degree to complement his masters in physics.

After two years teaching in Cordova, they were thrilled when a teaching position opened at Petersburg High for a science teacher. They came home with their two young sons, Alan and David, to raise them surrounded by family. Her boys were the pride and joy of Mary's life. During the summers the family spent as much time as possible hunting, fishing, camping and exploring the beauty that surrounds Petersburg.

A creative artist, she loved making things and rarely sat idle. If not creating in her ceramics studio, she was knitting or crafting something for the next Octoberfest. For years she and her best friend, Dorothy Ingle, had a shop in Mary's basement where they sold their crafts. She coordinated local artisans interested in sending their creations to compete at the State Fair in Haines and was an active member of the Clausen Museum, even serving as its director and curator.

Mary was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a dear friend who faithfully wrote beautiful letters and thoughtful cards to penpals all over the world. Small treasures, the warmth and sincerity of her handwritten notes reflected her caring heart and her desire to stay connected with those she loved.

After retirement, Mary and Earl sold their house on Front Street and bought Mary's family homestead on Farm Island, up the Stikine River, a place that was always more than a home to her – it was her sanctuary. She loved being surrounded by nature and the quiet rhythms of the river, but was always happy to have family visits as she and Earl loved being grandparents and great-grandparents. She was especially grateful to spend some of her final summers in the place that meant so much to her and Earl.

During her time in long-term care, Mary continued to find joy and comfort in her life-long friends. Her love of reading and puzzle-solving kept her creative hands busy. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her deep devotion to family and her genuine love for others. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the strong family she nurtured and the many lives she touched with kindness and grace.

Mary passed away peacefully in Petersburg on February 14, 2026, Valentine's Day, a fitting day for someone whose life was defined by love. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Benitz; sister, Marlene Summerfield; and brother, Skip McKibben.

She is survived by her two sons and their families.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.