Gloria A. Benden

Gloria Anita Simmons Benden, 75, of Charlotte, Mich., passed away April 26 under the care of Grace Hospice at Country Woods Assisted Living in Potterville, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born May 21, 1945 in Baltimore, Md., to Rose Marie (Buccari) Simmons and Harold T. Simmons.
Gloria graduated from Glen Burnie High School in 1964.
In September 1964, Gloria met the love of her life, Leonard Benden, at a dance at Fort Meade, Md. They married on February 13, 1965 and lived for many years in Charlotte. After Leonard’s retirement from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department, they enjoyed winters in Fla., as well as several trips to the Netherlands.
Gloria volunteered for 18 years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. She learned to drive later in life, and demonstrated great skill at finding bargains at yard sales and department stores. She cherished her impressive display of ceramic angels, became adept at using her iPad, and stayed informed about news and politics.
Her signature meal was spaghetti, a recipe passed down from her mother. Never a fan of vegetables, Gloria nonetheless baked delectable zucchini bread, and kept a big supply frozen to offer as gifts. She was a quiet, caring grandma who never, ever said anything bad about anyone.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Leonard; son David (Melissa) Benden of Grand Ledge, and  daughter Julie Benden of Charlotte; grandchildren Alex and Alyssa Sanchez, Lucas Mattoon, Kyle and Josh Benden; sisters Darlene (Ronnie) Upton of South Boston, Va., and Dorothy Simmons of Glen Burnie, Md., and brother Wesley (Diane) Simmons of Cypress, Tex.; in-laws Peter (Christine) Benden of Lahnstein, Germany, Paul (Linda) Benden of Albion, Mich., and Rina Benden (Andy) Miller of Dexter, Mich.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother Tommie Simmons, and sister Deborah Mizenko.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.