Alice Manrique Benkelman

Alice Arias Benkelman

August 15, 1957 - October 30, 2016





Alice Arias Benkelman was born August 15, 1957 and passed on October 30, 2016, surrounded by her family. Alice was born and raised in Bakersfield, Ca. She attended East Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College. The last 25 years she worked In clerical positions. Alice was a devoted mother who spent her life taking care of her special son. She was a free spiritall of her life. She loved to listen to oldies music, enjoyed shopping and visiting relatives, friends and neighbors. Alice loved talking with people while sharing current events with them. She enjoyed going on drives in the car with no destination in mind. Alice found something comical in every situation. She was a very strong woman that over came a lot of adversity. She would find many situations in life as opportunities. Through her health struggles, she fought to stay Independent. Alice is preceded in death by her father, Ladislao Arias. She is survived by her son, Andrew Benkelman; mother Julia Arias; brother John Arias; sisters Elena Rizo (Hector); and Irma Heintz (Nick); nephews/niece, Joseph & Jonathan Rizo, Mary & Tyler Arias, and Melialus Heintz; Special Companion Alberto Sanchez; various uncles, aunts and cousins. The family would like to give a special thank you to the professional and compassionate staff at San Joaquin Hospital and the staff at Basham Funeral Care. Services will be held Monday, November 7th at 11:00a.m. at Basham Funeral Care Chapel; Interment to follow at Union Cemetery. Alice's dry humor, quick wit and "telling you like it is" will be dearly missed by her family; relatives and friends. You will always be In our hearts Alice!