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Bennett Middleton Obituary
After a long battle with diabetes and cancer, Bennett George Middleton, 76, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at his home in Santa Maria, Ca.
He leaves his wife, M. Carolyn (Smith) Middleton; sons, Bradley Middleton and wife Peggy, of Santa Maria and Ronald Middleton and wife Dana, of Santa Maria, his step-son, Robert Montague-Smith and wife Lanny, of Anchorage, Alaska, step-daughter Linda Johnson and husband Bryan of North Garden Virginia, step daughter Stacey Smith of Champlain New York, his mother, Lorine (Helsom) Middleton of Santa Maria, and the mother of his children Mary Rose Middleton. The blended family had a total of nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Middleton was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Middleton.
Born and raised in Kerman, Ca, the son of Benjamin and Lorine (Helsom) Middleton. In his early years he attended Kerman Elementary School and Kerman High School. After graduating from high school he attended Fresno City College.
In 1970 Ben and his family moved from Fresno to Santa Maria where after 22 years he retired from the Santa Maria waste water treatment plant.
He later met and married Carolyn Smith of Santa Maria. They loved to travel and spent many years traveling around the United States.
Traveling, computers, his fruit trees and his family were his greatest joys.
Ben was an optimist and loved life. No matter what the situation he always looked for the good in anything.
Mr. Middleton was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, the Retired Active Men's Club, Central Coast Computer Club, SLO Bytes Computer Club, Mutual Investment Club of Santa Maria and the California Rare Fruit Growers association.
Mr. Middleton was the past president of the Tri Counties Water Pollution Control Board, the state safety chairman of the California water pollution association district, and while his boys were young he was the Group leader and district chief of the Fresno CA Y.M.C.A Indian Guides.
A celebration of Ben's life will be held on Sunday June 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Andrew United Methodist Church on the corner of Larch and Bradley with Reverend David Camphouse officiating.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Marian Hospice, 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria, ca. 93454.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bennett Middleton
Anne Schubert (Alloway) Reyes
June 14, 2011
Ben was my boss for 4 years and he was a compassionate and big-hearted man. He will surely be missed by everyone who worked with him in any capacity. I was very sad to learn he passed on.
June 14, 2011
My condolences to your family concerning the death of Ben. He will be remembered.
Dan Rayburn
June 10, 2011
The California Water Environment Association Tri-Counties Section conveys sincere codolences to the family of Bennett "Ben" Middleton. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Ben's dedication to the Tri-Counties Section is greatly appreciated and Ben will always be fondly remembered at the Section's events.
Bradshaw Pruitt
CWEA TCS President
Terry Walker
June 9, 2011
I am so sorry that he finally lost this battle but am happy for the years that you had together and that I met him. My memory of him is the smiling man in the picture - our thoughts are with you today and always, Terry & Ian
brenda orton (ball)
June 8, 2011
carol, i never had the opportunity to meet ben but all that i have heard is how wonderful he was, and how happy the two of you were together, blessings aunt carol and i'm so sorry for your loss.
ROSEMARY MILLER
June 8, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Eva Didion
June 8, 2011
Brad,
My condolences and sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time.
I hope you will find strength in knowing that you have many friends who care about you and will be there for you if you need a shoulder to lean on.
Sincerely,
Audrey and Rowan
June 6, 2011
Grandpa Ben, we miss you. You were such a kind and generous soul.
We love you always.
Love,
Audrey and Rowan
Kristy Soriano
June 5, 2011
We will always miss you grandpa Ben and i will always remember you how you were.
June 4, 2011
My deepest condolences to Ben's family. I had gotten reacquainted with Ben on my return to Santa Maria. He was GREAT guy and will be deeply missed. I first met Ben through the Y's Mens club back in the 1960s.
Marshall Wiley
Spence Stimler
June 4, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Carolyn and family. Ben was a great guy and good friend. Always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an inspiration to all, and will be sorely missed.
Dale Parks
June 3, 2011
Brad, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I to lost my father on May 26,2011. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Love, Your Friend
Dale Parks
Kimberly Roland
June 2, 2011
Miss you grandpa!!
Brad Middleton
June 2, 2011
We miss you Dad
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