Ellen Arnetta Benz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Ellen Arnetta Benz, 82, who passed away peacefully on May 10th, 2024, in Chico, California surrounded by loved ones.

Ellen was born in Chico, California to Jane Pearl Devine and Robert H. Cleveland on September 17th, 1941. She was married to the love of her life, David Lee Benz, for 44 years; he precedes her in death.

Ellen was an amazing artist and loved working with many different artistic mediums, including stained glass and painting with acrylics. She shared a love of raising exotic birds with her husband, David.

Ellen had eight children, six of whom she was survived by: Mike & Launa Maxfield of Jacksonville, Florida; Roger & Tish Maxfield of Eureka, California; Penny & Sam Gibson of Red Bluff, California; Shane & Lori Kelley of Paradise, California; Shawn & Troy Kelley-Beasley of Lincoln, California; and Richard & Jessica Benz of Sacramento, California. Ellen was preceded in death by two of her children, son Harold “Skip” Maxfield of Chico, California and daughter April Cinnamon of Lake Havasu, Arizona.

Ellen had thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren that she loved very much.

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