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People we remember
Biographies are where we share about family & friends to connect with others who remember them.
Pam Marks:
George Lawrence Benning was born to William Joseph Benning (1852 - 1930) and Imogene N. (Millard) Benning (1854 - 1916) in Boone, Iowa. He had 9 siblings: Nelson, Henry, Lois, Cora, Walter Joseph, Grace, Arthur, Mabel and Lloyd. He was the youngest.
George was married twice, first to Mildred Wilson, and his second marriage to Eileen Constance (Tasker) Benning had Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch. He also had a daughter, Lois (Benning) Ewen, from his first marriage to Mildred (Wilson) Benning. His second family lived first in Seattle, then Portland, then in Bremerton Washington, a small port town which grew during WW2. He owned the Chevrolet car dealership in Bremerton.
Micky Reed, the owner of the Reed Chevrolet dealership in Bremerton Washington, was on a local river fishing trip and drowned. Micky's widow, Meeka (who I, his granddaughter knew, since she and my grandmother were friends until they died), sold the dealership to George. He called it Reed-Benning dealership as an homage to Micky. Chevrolet didn't like the fact that a woman (oh lordy, a WOMAN!) sold the dealership on her own so they made new rules. The upshot? When George, my grandfather, died, my grandmother couldn't sell the dealership!
He was very active in the business, social and political components of the community. I know that he was a Freemason and a Shriner, and that he had some strong relationships with State politicians. (Note from his granddaughter: George was good friends with Warren Magnuson, first a US Representative and then a US Senator. Evidently, Magnuson used to spend summers at my grandparent's house - I saw a letter of condolence from him to my grandmother when George died, expressing how much he would miss George and referencing the wonderful summers he spent at their house. Also in their social circle? Names that you would recognize today: the Gates' - yes, that Bill Gates family - the Nordstroms , and more. The Seattle/Bremerton community was small then.) George also was instrumental in establishing the Elks Lodge in Bremerton, and was involved with the creation of the Washington Athletic Club in downtown Seattle. George was also a founding member of the Isaac Evans American Legion Post in Seward, Alaska in 1919.
One cool story about George: He had a bit of real estate in Bremerton and rented these homes to his employees. Upon George's death his will stipulated that the deeds to the homes get passed along to the employees.
Also, the story my Mom (George’s daugher) told me about the homes - the people weren't employees but simply people who lived in Bremerton at the time. Since George was a Mason, he was also involved in charitable activities. Mom said that no one (including family) knew that he had bought (I heard 3) houses for people who had problems paying rent and were going to be evicted. (This was probably around the end of the Depression.) He didn't charge the tenants rent and when he died he left the homes to the tenants. However, my sister (who says she has a copy of George's will), notes that there is no record of any homes being deeded.
Daniel Pinna:
Impact of George's death - My great-grandfather was only a handful of years older than me when he passed away at 48. His daughter, my grandmother, was only 16 at the time.
His passing was an event that significantly impacted my grandmother and my great grandmother. I've heard that grandma had a hard time after he died....like a crushing blow. She admired him like many daughters admire their father.
My great grandmother remarried a couple years later and that husband died within 2 years. She remarried a third time a few years later, and this husband died within a decade.
My mother once asked g-grandma why she didn't marry again and she said she simply could not handle another husband dying.
As a father myself I can begin to paint a picture of what the impact of me dying so young would do to my family.
George was successful both with business and relationships. He impacted the lives of those around him. But he died too young before he was able to fully realize the benefits of his life and prepare his immediate family and future generations with security.
What a different world it would have been had he passed away just a few decades later.
Timothy Thompson:
It was a real blessing and an honor, having known Tonya Renee Yow as my dance teacher. I truly enjoyed every moment that I spend with her. This is my short story about how I had the honor of knowing Tonya Renee Yow.
My Name is Timothy Ray Thompson, and back then I live in Henrico County, Virginia in the Richmond, VA area, and I still do as of January 1, 2022. It was in 1985 that I walked into an Arthur Murray Dance Studio (School) on west broad street in Henrico County, Virginia.
(Richmond, VA area)
I was a student for 3 1/2 years and Tonya Renee Yow was teaching me how to dance. She was the very last teacher that I had before I taught ballroom dancing. The year was about 1987/1988. Tonya’s sister Theresa Vaughan was the manager of Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Tonya Renee Yow had such a calm, sweet personality, and I could tell she had a great spirit about her.
In my mind, I thought to myself that I would have loved to have dated Tonya Renee Yow. She would have been my dream girl. I am just saying! There were rules at the dance Studio that would have prevented that. However, just the same, I was shy with woman, and so I kept my thoughts to myself. She gave me lessons, and we danced together, and I enjoyed every moment with her. We danced a foxtrot routine together at a showcase. I have this routine on DVD as we practiced this before the exhibition, which would have been in a hotel in the Richmond, VA area. I have some videos of us dancing together as we practiced.
During this time in my life, (1988) I was given the opportunity to teach Ballroom Dancing at the studio in Silver Spring, Maryland.
During the last lesson I had with Ms. Yow, she had a sore on her lip. Now I was preparing to move to Silver Spring, Maryland, when I got the news that Tonya Yow had Cancer and I was learning why she had a sore on her lip. I was told by Teresa Vaughan that she had fainted on the dance floor and was taken to the hospital. I was told that she was teaching a lesson and passed out. All I know is she died within two years of the time she passed out on the dance floor.
I wish I could talk to Tonya. I think most people would consider me nuts if I were to say that I have had dreams and wish we could have been together, married forever. I love her! But our paths went in different directions. After all, I look back at dancing and it was the most enjoyable time of my life and Tonya was a beautiful woman with a tremendous calming spirit, and I love that about her, for she could be silly at times, full of life.
As a student once in a while, I could have my dancing filmed on video. I watch the video later and noticed Tonya blushing at the camera. She is so precious.
Another moment when Terry Dean was filming us; Tonya would wink at Terry. This was Tonya Yow being silly. She was, in my heart, the one person who could light up a room. I believe marriage can be forever and so I pray she will wait for me on the other side. But even if that were true, I have a life here and have much to do. But my memory of Tonya Yow will always be in my heart. It is just the way I am, and I don’t stop loving people just because decades have passed away. Now as I have become much older I love her even more. The memory becomes even more sharper, proving love never fades.
Thank You, Tonya Renee Yow, for the best moment of my life. Time seems so short, but I treasure my memory of a beautiful lady, and that is Tonya Renee Yow for sure. How I wish you could come back to me, but one day we will meet again. If anyone reads this and has information on Tonya Yow, please let me know.
Photos etc. As of 2020, I have ended up with some photos, and they’re posted here.
Much Love - Timothy R Thompson
Posted April 24, 2013
Updated Jan 30, 2015, because I care.
Updated Again: May 23, 2015
Updated: Aug 7, 2015 - correct spelling errors
Updated Again: Nov 19, 2016: changed clarify the story and correct errors. I also added the only photo I have of Tonya Yow.
Friday, August 17, 2018–Updated errors
7-31-2020 - Some minor changes
10-30-2022 - Made Corrections added a little. Made is easier to read.
7-23-2023 - It has been well over ten years since I first posted this. Nothing has changed, still my heart beats for her.
July-21-2025 - Message to Tonya Yow In Heaven. I love You! Marry Me, dance for ever for Jesus. Testimony.
My Prayer;
Dear God, Can I be with Tonya Renee Yow one day forever as my companion? Please. Not my will, but thy will be done. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Only if she would have me, her free will.
Thank you, this is my prayer while on this earth.
Tim Thompson
2309 Oakwood Lane
Henrico, VA 23228
PHONE: (804) 836-5957
Information on Tonya Renee Yow, please contact me, God Bless - Thank You
MAY 26, 1941 - NOVEMBER 7, 2019 Carol A. Osborne passed away at her home on November 7, 2019. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 in the Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel. Graveside services will be private. Carol was born to Ulyess and Etta Chriscoe on May 26, 1941. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tonya Yow, husband, Cecil Osborne, and sister, Mae Koromhs. She is survived by her sister, Alice Gray; children, Debbie Yow Nayman and husband John, Teresa Yow Bean and husband Kenneth, Billy Yow and wife Keri, Crystal Yow Foster and husband David, John Chriscoe; stepchildren, Robert Osborne Jr. and wife Mindy, David Osborne; grandchildren, Brandy Yow Johnson and husband Matt, Colon Yow and fiancée Ashley, Kevin Foster and wife Eden and Cameron Foster; great-grandchildren, Adison Johnson, Jack and Elliot Foster. Carol was a loved and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend and we will all miss her dearly. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com. Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel 6000 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407
Roma Gryte:
21 July 2025 - I found out through a DNA match that I am Dell's daughter. I know very little about him. He died when I was a senior in high school. I was adopted at 7 days and did not meet my biological mother until I was 24 years old. She only knew Dell's name. They met as neighbors in Merced, CA.
My half sister shared that there were 6 children. I was the second oldest and she is third. The youngest girl passed away. I believe both, she and my father, died of heart attacks. He was an accountant and musician. The musical talent seems to be shared by all the siblings.
Any information would be welcome.
Marilyn Keough:
Quite a Character - Gramma was beautiful and kind. She spoke English quite well, but couldn’t spell (including our names:) correctly for beans. She could cook (and sew and crochet) like nobody else’s business! We all probably lost 10 pounds after she passed away… and she had quite a “leadfoot” while driving, which we always would kid her about.
She had a smile that could light up the room, and hugs that could cure just about anything.
I will love you forever, Gramma 💕
Brian Joiner:
Cherished Caregiver - Maude was a cherished caregiver that took care of just about everyone in my family at one time or another. I knew her as a child and she was always extra sweet to all of the children, unless you jumped on the bed. She was a dear soul with a strong faith in the lord and her life was testimony to that faith.
Frederick Frank:
A friendly man of many skills - Leonard was a family friend and skilled tradesman who helped out in many ways whether it was helping my aging grandfather to update our former apartment, to help my Dad and Unc when they needed a bartender in a pinch in their Bungalow Inn restaurant , or to help my Unc in remodeling his Fox Lake summer cottage into a year round home. .(which offered Leonard some weekend getaway fringe benefits ).We had several rides in his Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. whatta cool car! I knew he lived w and was taking care of his Mom We lost touch and saddened to hear of his passing
Shelley Cardiel:
I have two postcard photographs belonging to the TESSEY Family of New York including one of Edward L. TESSEY and Clara MOSER TESSEY which was taken at the P. R. Thomann Studio in Utica, NY. The photograph was taken some time between 1904 and 1918 with the couple appearing to be in their 20's at the time it was taken. They are also identified as "Dad's Parents" on the back. The second photograph is one of Edward TESSEY at age 9 months old. There is no studio or location identified on this photograph which was also taken some time between 1904 and 1918.
Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding this TESSEY Family:
Edward John TESSEY was b. 22 Aug 1915 in Utica, NY to parents Edward Lewis TESSEY (1886-1937) and Clara Katharine MOSER (1887-1966). Edward was the only child born to this couple. Edward married Katherine Ann WILLIAMS (1915-1978) on 1 Jun 1940 in Clinton, NY and they had a daughter, Suzanne B. TESSEY (1951-2022). Edward died 12 Oct 1998 in Utica or Whitesboro, NY and he is buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, NY. His obituary notes that he ran a dance band as a teenager and was a well-known wedding photographer. He was survived by two daughters Suzanne of Whitesboro, NY and Marilyn of Rome, NY.
Edward Lewis TESSEY was b. 27 Jul 1886 in Utica, NY to parents Joseph H. TESSEY (1845-1928) and Phoebe Mary MADER (1856-1928) who were married in 1884. Edward had one sibling, a brother Joseph Henry TESSEY (1884-1949). Edward married Clara on 16 Sept 1914 in Utica, NY and they had the one son, Edward John TESSEY. Edward Lewis died 10 Oct 1937 in Utica, NY and is also buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in that city.
Clara Katharine or Katherine MOSER was b. 31 Jan 1887 in Utica, NY to parents George MOSER (1842-1921) and Katherine ERHARDT (1844-1887) who were married 8 Mar 1868 in Legelshurst, Arnt Kehl, Baden, Germany. Clara was one of 13 children born to this couple including George or Georg; Katherine, Katharina, or Catherine; Barbara; Barbara; Mary Maria; Berbard; Elizabeth or Elisabetha; Brigitta; Ricka; Freida; Anna; John Erhardt; and Clara Katharine or Katherine MOSER all born between 1866 and 1887. Clara died 7 Apr 1966 in New Hartford or Utica, NY and is also buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica, NY.
I would like to get these photographs to family and appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family or know someone who might be.
Thanks,
Shelley
Shelley Cardiel:
tagged Edward John Tessey in this photo.
Malgorzata Poliszczuk:
My Dad - I don't remember my father very well. I was a baby when my parents divorced. I was in my fathers life until age 9. I have a fond memory of my Dad. He use to throw me in the air and catch me. I was sad my Dad wasn't always,around when I visited him at my grandmother's house. I never understood why. I was told negative stories about him.I don't recall.much if any positive memories. I forgive my Dad. He wasn't around I.don't understand why he never reached out to me as,an adult. The last time I saw my Dad as a,child was when his mother my grandmother passed away..I just turned 9. At least I think so. I do.remember a,time I went to restaurant shaped like a,ship.
My Dad was there. He asked if I wanted something to drink.
I was there with my 2 older sisters. One was 14. The other was 21. I was wearing pretty earrings. My Dad said they looked like chandeliers in my ears. My Dad wasn't a perfect person. No.one is. I understand that now. My Dad tried reaching out to us as,a,child. He got rejected. Maybe he was afraid it happen again
if he were to extend an invitation to me.to maybe go.out for a little lunch. My Dad gave me a nice pen knowing I never told him I like writing. That pen means,something to me. I have it it no longer writes but it's a reminder of my Dad. It's a pretty pink.pen with glitter and water mixed together. Little did I know I'd start writing poetry at age 22. My Dad passed away at age 60. I was 24. Too young to pass on. My father was perhaps misunderstood.
There's more to stories about someone than just what we've been told. Know. My Dad was an intense person. I know stuff about him that was all told to me but in a negative light. I want to remember my Dad as a complex human who had flaws like all of us,do in this,world. May he be at peace. I.love him.
Don Banfield:
She was my great grandmother - January 23rd, 2025
I just discovered this website Ancient Faces, I actually was searching for the Kirner family in Marin County CA. Today is actually the anniversary of the passing of Mae's daughter, Blanche Kirner Schieck, who passed in January 1981. I knew Mae as one of my two living great grandparents up to the time I was 9 and 13 years old. Mae was my mother's maternal grandmother. Mae lived her early years in Iowa and married European emigrant Guy Kirner in the early 1900's and settled into San Rafael, CA. They had their only child Blanche in August 1906. Mae was a survivor of the 1906 earthquake and was pregnant with Blanche at the time. I'm sure there is more genealogy in family records than I have alone but if anyone would like to know more about Mae and other family, please contact me
Tracie Phillips:
Mother - Deborah was my mother, my first friend, my lifeline. We lost her way too soon! I miss her every day and cherish what little time we shared on this earth together. As a mother and grandmother there have been so many experiences, I would have loved to have shared with her. She would be a grandmother, and great grandmother now. Until we are together again, all my love, Tracie
Michael Giaccone:
Grandpa - Oh how I wish I could have spent more time with you. I love going to the racetrack walking The paddock with you learning about horses you started to teach me Italian but I was coming home with curse words and my mother was not too happy LOL. I just really wish I had more time to learn from you. Rest in peace you are still missed and I just visited your grave site and said prayers love you grandpa
Shelley Cardiel:
updated the profile photo of Edward Tessey to Edward John Tessey.
Laura Craft:
She was the most beautiful woman I ever saw - When I was as a child, I would look up at my mother, at her lush, black hair, her perfect teeth, her flawless complexion, and hope that someday I would be as beautiful as she because I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. On the day that she died, just a few days short of age 89, I looked down at her with her lush snow white hair, her perfect teeth, her flawless complexion with no wrinkles And I knew that I have been right. She was the most beautiful woman in the world.