Benny J Fenn

June 27, 1936 — February 23, 2014

After a courageous 5 month battle for his health, 77 year old Benny J. Fenn Passed away on February 23, 2014 surrounded by his family. Benny was born in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 27, 1936. He spent his childhood in Mexico mostly in Colonia Pacheco and Colonia Juarez. Besides his studies, he enjoyed track, high Jumping, pole vaulting, baseball and basketball as a youth. He was active in scouting, earning many badges and learning many skills. He was good at mechanics and built himself a go-cart when he was in grade school. He was a good hunter and fisherman. He learned mining and ranching from his father and grandfather Fenn. After high school, he joined the United States Army and was assigned to a stateside unit charged with protecting the United States. While stationed stateside Benny would send money home every month for his father to buy cattle for him. When he separated from the United States Army he had quite a little herd, and followed his aspirations. On New Year's Day in 1965, he married his sweetheart, Elva Miramontes. They resided for many years in Mexico, ranching and mining and eventually began their own admirable gem and mineral business. Their son, Benny Lee was born in El Paso in 1971. David was born in Tucson in 1976. In the 1980s they moved to Las Cruces, where the boys completed school. They continued their ranching and rock business and eventually bought Fenns Mini-Mart. Benny has been considered a legend in the gem and mineral world. He and Elva together have introduced many rare specimens into the world. He has been featured in over 15 articles in Rock and Gem journals and magazines. He and Elva worked side by side in the rock business 49 years and also on the ranch. Together Benny and Elva have been honored on several different occasions, most recently at the Denver Rock Show in 2013. They have been privileged to have had many friends worldwide. Benny has been a generous and good husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. His in-laws have been very good to him and he has loved them. He called his mother-in-law "Mi Querida Suegra." Benny is survived by his wife, Elva, his sons, Benny Lee (Lucy) and David, his grandchildren Alexis, Gerardo, David, Destiny and James. He has one brother, Verl (Laura), 5 sisters, Verla Jorgenson, Alva Lee Peeler, Hazel Early (Ken), Minnie Whetten, and Shirleen Greer. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dona Maria Miramontes, 2 brothers-in-law, Benjamin and David Miramontes (Luz Elena), and 4 sisters-in-law Elsa Corolla (Alfredo), Elda (Mario), Estela Burk and Elia and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lee and Ada Fenn, and by 2 brothers, Marvin and Billy. A memorial service to celebrate Benny's life is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Latter Day Saints, 2915 E. Idaho, Las Cruces, NM. PDF Printable Version

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