Vivian Melba (Popkess) Benoit
February 17, 1919 ~ July 16, 2021
Vivian Melba (Popkess) Benoit, 102, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 in Wichita, KS.
Melba was born to George Francis and Jane Popkess on February 17, 1919 in Toronto, KS. She was raised there and graduated from grade and high schools there. To further her education, she attended Emporia State Teachers College; also, Bartlesville Business College, Bartlesville, OK.
She began a secretarial career in 1940 which lasted 40 years. She retired in 1980 from Amoco Oil Co.
She married Harold Benoit in 1956, her husband of 64 years.
Melba is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Beatrice Wilhite and Margaret Lorenz; brothers, George Popkess and Leon Russell; and her husband, Harold.
She is survived by a few nieces and nephews.
Graveside Services will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Resurrection Cemetery.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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Aunt Melba was always kind and had a sweet smile. Uncle Harold loved her very much.He would come to Walmart where I was working to buy small gifts for her. She had candy dishes always full.
Melba Benoit was such a kind person. Harold and Melba were like grandparents to me. I will never forget all the love and kindness they showed me. Melba was generous, funny, hardworking and so strong. Melba taught me how to properly make a bed, always had to make sure I got a piece of candy or banana bread before leaving the room and she always called me her little angel or “our little girl” and now she’s my angel. She will truly he missed.