Anita Mae Benik passed away at Aspirus Long-term Care Unit on Wednesday, March 10,2010 where she had been a resident the past several months.

Anita was born July 15, 1922 in Ewen Michigan and was the second of two daughters of Orville and Mabelle Hanson. She married William Dowd in November of 1941 and has one daughter, Deanna Dowd Morin of Ontonagon. She later married William Benik on September 2, 1950. She resided in Ontonagon, MI until the time of her death.

Anita graduated from Ontonagon Area High School in 1940 and entered Birnham's Beauty School in Chicago, IL becoming a Certified Cosmetologist. She returned to Ontonagon where she worked with her sister Audrey Victor at Audrey's Beauty Salon and later at Millie's Beauty Shop until she opened her own shop at 705 Chippewa Street. She was the owner-operator of Anita's Beauty Salon and retired after 57 years. In the many years as a beautician, she made countless number of friends and was loved by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, William F. Benik, a sister, Audrey Victor, brother-in-law, David Victor, and nephew, Scott A. Victor.

Anita is survived by her only child, Deanna Morin, son-in-law David Morin, three grand-daughters, Denise (Dan) Potts, Raeford, NC, Nicole (Stephen)Polakowski Houghton, MI, and Brigitte (Paul) Zielinski of Hampshire, IL. and six great-grand-daughters, Britta Jacobson, Corinne, Caitlin, Noelle, Karmyn, and Sydney Polakowski, as well as one special niece, Sharon Victor Barradas (David) of Early Branch, SC.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 10th at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Ontonagon with Reverend Cherrie Sporleder officiating. Friends may call at the church 1 hour prior to the start of the service. Those who wish may make a donation in Anita's name to the charity of one's choosing.

The Cane Funeral Home is helping with the arrangements.