Marlene Ann Benton, 78, Minot, died Sunday in a Devils Lake Hospital.

Marlene was born May 6, 1938, in Minot, ND to Marvin and Esther (Klimpel) Irwin. She was raised and educated in Sawyer.

Marlene was once joined in marriage to Warren Benton. This union was blessed with a daughter, Wannetta. They made their home in Sawyer.

Marlene's first job was at Bausch and Lomb of Minot. In 1961, she began her employment at Bridgeman Creamery. She worked first in the ice cream room until moving to the milk room, finishing her career of 30 years, where she was affectionately known as "Milkmaid." She retired in 1991. She remained in Minot following her retirement, living with her sister, until moving to Devil's Lake this past weekend to be near her daughter.

She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot and also the Teamster's Union. She was a past member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion Auxiliary and the Eagles Aerie of Minot. Marlene found enjoyment in bowling in her youth and watching racing. She loved spending time at the lake with family and friends and in her spare time could be found playing bingo or cheering on the Minnesota Twins both on television and radio. She will be missed by all who shared in her life and most by those who called her 'Ma' and 'Molly.'

Her surviving family includes, daughter, Wannetta (Wesley Bell) Benton, Devils Lake, ND; sisters, June Martell, Minot, Maxine (Loren) Kissinger, Gig Harbor, WA; brother, Myron (Joan) Irwin, Minot, ND and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Sawyer, ND.
Visitation: Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred.