Desert Messenger

24 www.DesertMessenger.com December 15, 2021 Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com /DesertMessengerNews Follow on Twitter @DesertMessenger @QuartzsiteRain In Memoriam BENNY G. GROSZ Dec 21, 1936 - October 13, 2021 According to Ben Grosz, there was nothing better than a rock. To die dig- ging rocks was his greatest dream. Ben found his fi rst arrowhead when he was 6 years old. This ignited a passion for digging unique rocks that would become a core part of him. He earned a Bachelor of Geological Engineering degree from the Uni- versity of Minnesota in 1959. After this, he went on to work for Bonn- eville Power building transmission STEVEN BRUCE BENNETT February 14th, 1958 - December 8th, 2021 Steven Bruce Bennett passed away peacefully in his home on December 8th due to complications from an ac- cident with loving family by his side. Steve was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Benjamin and Linda Ben- nett. Steve moved to Wickenburg as a young boy with his family and called it home until his early 20's. Early on , Steve realized his knack and passion for mechanics and con- struction. Throughout his life he ventured in all areas of the trades following his passions, which led him to Quartzsite Az., where he re- sided for most of his adult life with his family, only recently returning to Wickenburg. Steve was preceded in death by his mother Linda Bennett, brother David Bennett, son Robert Bennett and grandson Jonathan Madewell. Steve is survived by his father Ben- jamin Bennett, brother Johnny Bennett, sister Robin Weber, wife Linda Bennett, Daughters Lori Ben- nett, Christina Mosco and Susan Cushman, son Johnny Bennett, son in laws Brandon Mosco and Kevin Cushman. Granddaughters, Haylee Perkinson, Katie Cushman, Alyssa Mosco, Aidynn Ponce, Scarlett Ben- nett, grandson Daniel Cushman, as well as nieces, nephews and other loved ones. Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be profoundly missed by all that knew him and crossed paths with RALPH W. MERWIN SR. Born February 22,1941 in Michigan- Died May 18, 2021 Ralph Merwin Sr. died at 80 years old in his home, The Camel Stop on Main Street in Quartzsite, Arizona, of Valley Fever. He was with his family and Brody his dog. Visiting Ralph and Diana that day were Sons Ralph Jr, Traci, and Chancey of Quartzsite; also grandchildren Kelsi of Colorado, and Mandalyn, Garrett, Evalyn, Dean of Arizona. His sister lines. Working in the western states gave him the perfect opportunity to hunt for rocks in his free time. In the mid 70's, he moved back to his home state of Minnesota to open the Blue Gem Agate and An- tique Shop. Here he sold rocks un- til he discovered the wonders of Quartzsite Arizona in 1986. By this time, he had met Barbara, who be- came his rock digging companion and biggest fan. Together they sold rocks in Quartzsite for 28 years. Ben retired from selling rocks in 2014, but not from looking for them. Ben made his last trip to dig agates near Rome, Oregon in late 2021. While stopping at the Caldera Rock shop in McDermitt Nevada to visit with fellow rock diggers, Ben had a sudden and fatal heart attack. Ben was proceeded in death by his parents, William and Iona Grosz; his sister Kathleen and his twin Gwendolyn, his loving dog Suzie, and his grandson William Douglas Grosz. He was survived by his com- panion Barbara, his son William Phillip Grosz, his granddaughter Kelsey Grosz, and four great-grand- children. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. him throughout his life. It brings peace to the family knowing he is re- united with his son and grandson. Steve lived his life to fullest, loved a good challenge and certainly left his mark on the world. He was a caring and generous man who strived to help the community in any way he could. He loved nothing more than his children and grandchildren, all of which will greatly miss him. The family will honor Steve's life with a private gathering. Friends and Family may offer online condo- lences at www.wickenburgfuneral- home.com or PO Box 20223, Wick- enburg Az. 85358. Nothing made Steve happier than smiles on chil- dren's faces, with that, the family asks that in leu of any gifts or fl ow- ers a donation be made in his name to Cops Who Care Incorporated, PO Box 20688, Wickenburg Az. 85358 or Quartzsite Fire Department, c/o Angel Tree Program, PO Box 1889, Quartzsite Az, 85346 to continue to brighten the lives of children. Betty Merwin, of California also vis- ited that week. Often visiting were grandchildren Josh, Audri, Ayden, Asilee Merritt, of Colorado. Married 57 years to Diana he start- ed and ran a repair shop and Towing Company in Montrose, Colorado for 51 of those years. Ralph's hobby was restoring antique cars and his fam- ily. Restoring the Camel Stop Gas Station Post Offi ce to an ANTIQUE car and off the wall museum, was his most recent project. He was a Member of Pierce Ar- row society Car Club, Model A Club, Buick Club, Ute Trails Car Club, Black Canyon Car Club, and the Quartzsite Historical Society. Ralph's ashes will be spread in a memorial service later with family.

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