Eleanor Viola Benedict

Eleanor Viola Steffen Benedict, age 102, of Irvine, Kentucky, formerly of McArthur, Ohio, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023, at her home following a short illness.  She was born October 3, 1920, in Wilkesville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Emil and Marie Strausbaugh Steffen.  Eleanor was the widow of the late Floyd Leslie Benedict.

She retired from Rio Grande College where she worked as the Co-Director of RSVP.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of McArthur and had lived in Ohio all her life.  She was a former member of the Red Hat Society and previously sat on the Ohio Senior Citizens Board of Directors.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Barbara Wrightsel of Columbus, Ohio and Cynthia “Cindy” (David) Rice of Estill County, Kentucky; son, Les (Joy) Benedict of Estill County, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by a daughter; Becky Faulkner, a sister; Kathy Dushac, and four brothers; Emil, Ray Fred, Paul, and Harold Steffen.

A memorial service will be held 12 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, in the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur, with Rev. Jim Taylor officiating.  A private burial will be held in Elk Cemetery, McArthur.  Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, 202 W. High St., McArthur, Ohio 45651 or to the Vinton County Historical Society, 207 S. Sugar St., McArthur, Ohio 45651.

Arrangements are by Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur.

Please sign her online guestbook at www.cardaras.com