Ermelinda (Bennie) Apodaca - Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home – January 2004 - Ermelinda (Bennie) Apodaca, Col. USAR, Ret., 86, passed away Friday, January 9, 2004 at the Colorado State Veteran's Nursing Home in Walsenburg, Colorado. She was born January 19, 1917 in Model, Colorado to Alfonso and Juanita Benavidez. She is survived by brothers Alfonso Benavidez of Model, Colorado and Fernando Benavidez of Englewood, Colorado; Sisters Beatrice Benavidez, San Francisco, California, and Ernestine Knorr of Torrance, California; Numerous nephews, nieces and friends and two goddaughters also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Apodaca, parents, and sisters, Rita Mendoza, Josephine Jupp and Mary Montano. Ermelinda graduated from nursing school in 1943 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. In the Army Nurse Corp. During her nursing career she served in France during World War II and in Korea during the Korean conflict. She retired in 1973 from the U. S. Army Reserves with the rank of Colonel. While in the army reserves, she worked at several different locations including the Trinidad State Nursing Home and Trinidad School District #1. Bennie loved to travel, play golf and make friends. She loved the residents and staff at the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home in Walsenburg, where she made many friends during her stay there. Services will be held Friday, January 16, 2004 with the rosary recited at 9:00 a.m. at the chapel of the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home. Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Gene Renard as celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery with military honors by the Ft. Carson Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Trinidad Area Catholic Community. The family may be contacted at 23465 CR 105.0 Model, Colorado 81059 (719-846-3504) The family of Ermelinda Apodaca has entrusted arrangements to the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home.