Marlene Zoul Benjamin, 1st Lieut. USN, age 89, went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, October 14, 2023.  She was born to Robert Herold Zoul and 2nd Lieut. WAAC/WAC Adelene Gallup Sigler Zoul (later Goodman) on May 4, 1934.  Marlene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, 2nd Lieut. USN, W. David Benjamin, her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Donald Griffey. Marlene and David were married in Philadelphia, PA while they were each serving as United States Naval Officers.  She is survived by her daughter, Dana Ellen Gilliland, Esq. (Kyle) of Wellston, Ohio, and grandson, Alec; her daughter, Dr. Holly Joan Rakos (Spiros) of Westmont, Illinois, and grandchildren, Stephanie, Steven, and Christopher; her sister, Marjorie (Peter) Leon of Arivaca, Arizona, and her brother, John Bruce Goodman (Sharie) of Franklin, Tennessee; and her niece and nephew, Lori and Dr. Marc Griffey.

After graduating high school in 1952 from Shaker Heights High School, Marlene served in the U.S. Navy, in communications, and was active duty during the Korean Conflict. She left the service as a 1 st Lieutenant to raise her family. She graduated in 1959 from Kent State University with a B.A. (History). Marlene loved all sports; and encouraged her daughters' sportsmanship in everything from horseback riding, ice and roller skating to competitive swimming. She and David often partnered with Dana and Holly to play doubles tennis on the Aurora tennis courts. She was most proud of Holly's high school records in the discus and shotput, leading to Holly's career in sports medicine. She was thrilled that Dana continued Marlene's father's, grandfather's, and great uncle's profession as a lawyer. Marlene and David raised their children in Aurora, living in the same house they bought in 1969. Marlene had fond memories of her time with her mother, brother, and stepfather (Harrison Goodman) on their summer houseboat on the TVA and at the Smoky Mountains. Marlene and David had many fabulous memories of traveling from Maine to Florida, camping, kayaking, canoeing and enjoying their many dogs. She found joy in the many scholastic and sports accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Marlene was a writer, a lover of history; and a collector of books, Native American artifacts and pottery, and antique Christmas ornaments. Like her father and step-mother, Dorthea, she was a lover of dogs, birds, and nature. She will be missed for her vibrant interest in American, English, Colonial and Native American history. She was a strong advocate of women's issues and women's suffrage. There will be an internment and accompanying services at Arlington National Cemetery where David is buried, at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Women's National Memorial, Arlington, VA, of which Marlene was a member and longtime supporter. Marlene also was an avid supporter of the Audubon Society and the Arbor Day Society to which memorial trees may be planted in her memory or donations made.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.