Gloria Benz, 72, of Perry, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

She was born December 15, 1938 in Humboldt, Kansas to Francis and Nat Armel.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Jakob ?Jake? Benz.

She was the devoted mother of sons Leonardo (Valerie) of Illinois and Pablo (Lindsay) of Perry; a loving grandmother (?Mimi?) to Erik, Ethan, Elijah, Paelyn and Flora. Other surviving family members include her brother Larry Armel of Kansas and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families around the country. Her parents, sister Natalie and brother Jack predeceased her.

Gloria was raised in Humboldt, Kansas and attended St. Joseph Grade School, Humboldt High School and was a graduate of Pittsburg State University with a degree in Education and held two master?s degrees in literature from Emporia State University.

While teaching in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada she met Jake Benz. The couple married on July 17, 1971 and settled in Switzerland where they lived for 11 years before returning to the U.S.

Gloria was dedicated to her faith, family, friends and community. She was a playwright of murder mysteries, author of children?s stories, lifelong poet, actor, director, artist, animal lover, world traveler, friend, confidant, teacher and mentor who inspired countless youths in our community. She was an ?angel? of support and comfort to family and friends in need.

A parishioner at St. Cyprian?s Catholic Church in Perry, she was an active member of the Ladies Guild and welcomed her friends to attend mass with her.

She was a former board member and President of Rabbit Run Theater Board of Trustees. She was an early director of the Children?s Theater Camp. Often seen acting on the RRT stage, she was an audience favorite, earning numerous ?Bunny Awards? for her work. Gloria was honored to become the first recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award from the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. She dedicated a seat in the historic barn theater with the expression ?Exit Laughing?. As a member of the American Association of University Women, she served on Program Committee.

Locally, her career included work as a secretary for Homer Nash Kimball and substitute teacher for the Madison Local Schools where she directed plays for the Middle School and High School. She also worked as a Technical Proofreader for Ricerca Biosciences in Concord. She was admired by the employees and families of Losely Nursery in Perry where her husband was employed. She was a current board member at the Perry Senior Center and served as the Drama Club Director. Most recently, Gloria co-founded Theatre 99 in Perry where she directed their first production.

Friends will be received 5-8 PM, Friday, September 2, 2011, at The Behm Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM, Saturday, September 3, 2011, at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Road, Perry, Ohio.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119 or Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, 49 Park St., Madison, OH 44057