Sunday, November 24, 2002
Born: Nov. 16, 1889, in Germany.
Residence: Glenellen Senior Suites and Villas-Lakeside, 9611 Market St., North Lima.
Married: Karl Benkner on Dec. 30, 1908, and they were married for more than 55 years. He died in 1967.
Children: None.
Background: She is fourth oldest person in the United States and the seventh oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. She and her 98-year-old sister, Tillie O'Hare, with whom she lives at Glenellen, are the surviving siblings of 11 children in their family. Mrs. Benkner was a Camp Fire group leader in the 1930s. She received a plaque last year from Northeast Ohio Camp Fire USA Council; she is the council's oldest alumna.
Celebration: A birthday party took place Nov. 15 at Glenellen. A highlight was a visit by members of Mahoning Valley Old Car Club. Some 800 fifth- through seventh-graders at Boardman Center Middle School sent birthday cards and letters to her. Her great-great-nephew, Kevin O'Hare, 12, is a student there.