Merle loved music and possessed a fine alto voice. She attended the Ashburton East School; 1939 gained a Life Saving Royal Society Award; was a pupil of St Margaret's College High School where in Form 6 in 1940, gained First Class shield. She sang in the Anglican Church Choir in Ashburton;When living at Takaka 1946 George (occ: was "mercer") and Merle became involved in the Takaka Drama Society and with the Dramatic Society when they lived in Motueka, . In 1956 - they lived at 73 The Ridgeway, Stoke, Nelson; occ: Warehouseman. Merle d. 03 Jun 1959 in Marsden Valley, Nelson aged 36Y. Bur: Marsden Cem. Nelson (Block 04A Plot 1 025) Merle and George had three children:
1956 - Nelson Electorate; living at 73 The Ridgeway, Stoke; George Warehouseman with wife Merle MERLE
DOREEN MARY BENBOW d; 3 Jun 1959 aged 36Y;
her Interment at Marsden Valley Cemetery on 5th
Jun-1959
George married Daphne Taylor (left Gilliam Benbow; Ross Benbow kneeling on right) George 2nd mar: 1960 was to DAPHNE (MOLLY) JOYCE Taylor nee ORR (she was b. 01 Apr 1929 in Kent, England; d: 2006. )When three, Daphne had been adopted by the Orrs, a childless couple in Hokitika, (Her original name was Lochore.) Daphne played the violin and worked as a dental nurse in Christchurch. Her 1st mar: was in 1947 to Robert Samuel (Bob) Stafford (b: 18 Mar 1910 to parents Charles and Margaret Stafford; he d: 2000) Bob's family owned hotels in Christchurch - they divorced in 1958; Mollys three 3 children were adopted by George Benbow
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