Amber Nichole Benedict

It is with profound sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Amber Nichole (Mayes) Benedict, a beloved wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and friend, who tragically passed away in a devastating home explosion on April 3rd, 2025, at the age of 37.
Amber was the loving wife of Paul, who is currently recovering from extensive injuries also sustained in the explosion. The couple had been together for more than a decade and were eagerly anticipating their 10th wedding anniversary on April 18th, a milestone they had looked forward to celebrating together.
Amber is a cherished daughter to John Mayes and Leann Herndon, devoted granddaughter of Carol Wiley; dearly loved sister to Allen (Destiney) Goins, Ashley Mayes, Aimee (Joshua) Reetz, and Tiffany Gonzalez. She was a devoted aunt to her beloved nieces and nephews: Joey, Hayley, Branden, Natalya, Siena, Mayra, Roman, and Noa. Amber's presence filled her family with boundless love and joy. Her nieces and nephews adored her deeply, and she played an active role in their lives, always bringing warmth, humor, and a special kind of magic to every gathering. Her passing was preceded by her paternal grandparents, maternal grandfather, and an aunt.
In addition to her dedication to family, Amber had been a dedicated employee of DSV for 14 years and recently embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey, founding "Cookies in the Mitten LLC.", a cookie baking business that became an instant success. Her cookies, which captured the essence of her kindness and creativity, quickly gained a devoted following. Her entrepreneurial spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her business was thriving.
Amber was also an avid bowler, a passion she shared wholeheartedly with her husband Paul. Together, they spent countless joyful hours on the lanes, surrounded by their cherished friends in the bowling community, whose unwavering support and camaraderie enriched their lives beyond measure. Her smile and warm presence will be deeply missed by all those fortunate enough to have bowled alongside her, a group she considered an extended family.
Above all, Amber was a woman whose kindness, generosity, and love touched everyone she met. She had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, and her presence in the world was a blessing to all. Her unexpected and untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and community that can never be filled.
Loved ones will gather to celebrate her life, honor her remarkable legacy, and remember the profound impact she had on all that knew her. Friends are invited from 11:00am until 2:00pm on Friday; May 16, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 2:00pm on Friday also at Merkle's with Pastor Kenneth Beesley Sr. of First Baptist Church of Wyandotte officiating. A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Amber's memory be made to either PCOS or Infertility charities since they both affected her personally. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.