Hilda Benitez

Hilda Benitez Lakeland – Hilda Benitez passed away on May 3, 2017. She was born in Santiago, Chile on June 13, 1915. Hilda worked and attended Sweet Memorial Methodist School in Santiago, where she graduated with a degree as a deaconess of the United Methodist Church. She worked teaching preschool for many years; she was part of the Wesley family for over 70 years. She also worked at the Presbyterian Homes Health Center and for Polk County Schools. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for over fifty years where she was active in the Vanguard class, the missions committee and a member of the Color Wheelers. Hilda is survived by her 2 nieces, Elizabeth Wesley and Ruth Wesley. A visitation will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday May 8, 2017 at First United Methodist Church Chapel, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida with services following at 3:00 pm. Interment at Lakeland Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Road, Lakeland. The family wishes that donations be sent to Sweet Memorial in Chile through First United Methodist Church, to Clothes Closet at FUMC and the children’s program at Maggie Valley United Methodist Church, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, North Carolina.