Murlene Brazzel Stewart Benedict

Funeral services for Murlene Benedict, age 88 of Ruston will be held 2:00 P.M., Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ronny Sanders officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of in Ruston, LA.

Murlene was born May 15, 1931 and graduated from Hico High School. She worked for South Central Bell Telephone Company and retired after 30 years of service with the company.  Murlene was a Christian and a member of Calvary Baptist Church.  She enjoyed traveling and working in her yard.  Murlene loved making jellies and giving them to her friends.  She was such a giving person and loved having company.  Whether it was sharing a meal or offering her extra bedrooms for overnight stays, Murlene's gift of hospitality made people feel welcome and comfortable in her home. She was a jolly person and loved a good laugh.

Murlene was preceded in death by her two husbands: Lane Stewart and Marshall (Hap) Benedict: her son, Jadell Stewart; her parents: Jack and Nannie Smith Brazzel; two brothers: Vernard Brazzel and Donald Brazzel; two sisters:  Vyonnell Vining and Janice O'Neal Finley.

Murlene is survived by her daughter, Melynda Holtzclaw Benson and her husband, James Benson; three granddaughters: Kacie Holtzclaw and Shelby Holtzclaw and Lauren Stewart Davis and her husband Devin Davis: one grandson, Lane Stewart and his wife, Ansley and three great grandsons: Kyper, Breckin, and Cameron. She is also survived by a brother, Gene Brazzel and his wife Carolyn and a sister, Hilda Estes; as well as many nieces and nephews and a host of relatives.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robert O'Neal, Jim O'Neal, Austin O'Neal, Gary Brazzel, Eric Brazzel and Steve Estes.

Visitation will be from 12:00 until time of service Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Owens Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Judes. The family is most appreciative of Ruston Nursing and Rehab for their loving and compassionate care of Murlene. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit ww.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.