John Ross Benedict, 84, of Morrison Lake, formerly of Ionia, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2010. He was born on February 13, 1926, in Ionia the son of Morris and Marian (Reese) Benedict. John graduated from Ionia High School in 1943. On September 11, 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on August 15, 1946. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, John farmed with his father on the Benedict farm. He then went to work for Peschke Packing Company. Following retirement from Peschke’s, John was employed at the Michigan Reformatory. In retirement, John continued to help his brother Keith on the farm. 
John married Marjorie Courser in 1948 at LeValley United Methodist Church, Ionia. She preceded him in death in 2004. They began their married life on the Benedict Farm in Berlin Township. They subsequently moved to the City of Ionia, first to Jones Street and then to Lafayette Street. In the early 1950s, they purchased property on Morrison Lake and in 1957, completed construction of their cottage on Sunset Beach. They lived at the lake year-round following the sale of their Lafayette Street home in 1988. John and Marge loved to travel, both around the United States, and even to Europe. John married Jean Cobb Edgel in 2005 in Lake Odessa. Jean died August 27, 2006. They traveled quite a bit during their brief marriage. John remained close to her family following Jean’s death.
 John enjoyed following the Detroit Tigers, building model ships, and eating. His favorite restaurants were the Corner Landing, C & R Restaurant in Lake Odessa, and Vivian’s, now known as Sheri’s. He also loved fishing on Morrison Lake and sitting on his deck watching the boats and wildlife on the lake. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marjorie; second wife, Jean; daughter, Dale Marie Benedict; daughter-in-law, Mila Benedict; granddaughters, Evelyn Prince and Megan Prince; and sister Jean Wiezorek Osborne. Surviving are three children, Deborah Joanne Benedict (Horace Smith), DeeAnn Prince (Skip), and Michael Ross Benedict. Surviving grandchildren are John Michael Benedict (Rachel) and Lauren Prince. John is also survived by his brother Keith Benedict, brother-in-law Eugene Courser (Clarabelle), and sister-in-law Lucy Stolt (David). The family appreciates the devotion of long-time friend Virginia Croel, as well as John’s many loving, dedicated caregivers. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9th at Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich Street, in Ionia, with interment following at Balcom Cemetery. Pastor Nancy Patera will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com.