Two beloved community members, Danny Earl Benson and Mary Ruth Rose Snyder, recently passed away, leaving behind rich legacies of family and communal ties.
Mr. Danny Earl Benson, aged 61, passed away on December 20, 2024, at Piney Forest Health and Rehab located in Danville, Virginia. Having spent much of his life on Zacks Mill Road in Benson, NC, his funeral services are set for 2:00 PM on December 23 at Crossroads Church, officiated by Pastor Scott Betts. He will be laid to rest at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Angier.
Benson was born on July 5, 1963, to his late parents, William Earl and Barbara Ann Honeycutt Benson. Before his retirement, he worked as a heavy equipment salesman—a job he seemed to enjoy, as noted by those who knew him. Benson was not just known for his work; he was loved for his outdoor spirit, laughter, and generous nature, as well as his fondness for spending holidays, especially Christmas, surrounded by family. He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Marj, and their two daughters, Ashlyn Valdiviezo and Mikayla Joyner, alongside grandsons Christian and Jason Valdiviezo. The family is opening their doors for friends to pay their respects before the service on December 23, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM.
Meanwhile, Mary Ruth Rose Snyder, who reached the remarkable age of 100, passed away just days earlier, on December 19, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. Snyder was born on November 2, 1924, and was originally from Pickens. She was well-known within her community of Bergoo, West Virginia, where she was not only active at the Bergoo Baptist Church but also engaged deeply with those around her through various outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Mary Ruth cherished the great outdoors, enjoying activities such as fishing, quilting, and camping—a testimony to her vibrant spirit and adventurous heart. She leaves behind her children, including daughters Anna Jean Vandevender and Sharon Davis, as well as multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and close family ties. Her funeral services will take place at 1:00 PM on December 28, 2024, at Bergoo Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Swecker Cemetery.
Despite the passing of these two influential figures, their memories and the positive impacts they had on their families and communities will continue to be cherished by those who knew and loved them. Their respective families have expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received during these difficult times.
Both Danny Earl Benson and Mary Ruth Rose Snyder lived lives rich with community involvement and family devotion, leaving legacies marked by love, laughter, and lasting memories. They will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing them.
