Irene Benn

Irene Benn

Irene Elsie Benn, age 89, died Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Highland Manor in Mesquite, Nevada. She was born June 27, 1923 in Moapa, Nevada to Fred and Mary Jane Lampson Benn. She later married Harry Benn in Moapa. Irene lived most of her life in Moapa. She worked for many years as a cook, both in the schools, for the Headstart Program and later for the seniors. She was well known for her beadwork and respected as one that knew the old ways and the native Paiute language and also the Paiute hand game. She will be remembered for her quiet, patient way with children, including the foster children and grandchildren she cared for. She was honored as the Medical Facility on the reservation bears her name. Survivors include one son, Virgil (Shirley) of Zuni, NM; two daughters,Raphella Spute and Karen Benn both of Moapa, NV; five grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and one brother, Roger Benn of Needles, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Moapa LDS Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the chapel. A traditional Indian Sing will follow at the Moapa Tribal Building with Interment at dawn in the Moapa Indian Cemetery.