Obituary of Judith Mary Benham

Judith Mary Benham was born in Peoria Illinois to Harvey and Forest Sibrel in 1942.Judy has two sisters, the older Betty-Jo and the younger Patricia. Judy and her sisters grew up catching fireflies and swimming in lakes, playing softball in the park and enjoying the great outdoors! Judy took piano lessons for years and eventually wrote and played her own music for family and friends.After high school graduation Judy attended Western Illinois University, where she joined one of the local sororities and ultimately graduated with an English Literature and Child Education degree.After graduation she accepted a teaching position in Orange County California. Judy enjoyed the beautiful California weather, working with the students and playing golf with her teacher friends. While in California she met Gary Benham at a Republican Party fundraiser and the two married in 1968. After three years of marriage Judy gave birth to Kilyn Michelle Benham.Judy was raised in the Lutheran Church and faithfully devoted her life to the Lord. While in California Judy attend a Billy Graham crusade and ultimately gave her heart and life to Christ! (Romans 10:9-10)Judy and Gary moved to Colorado for a business opportunity in 1973. After moving to Colorado Judy continued her education and completed her master's degree at the University of Northern Colorado while working full time, being a supportive wife and wonderful mother. Shortly after their move to Colorado Judy was blessed to be hired at Stein Elementary school where she was the Library Media Specialist and remained at Stein for the rest of her teaching career. Judy truly blessed and instilled in the lives of many children the love and excitement of reading! In 1978 Judy and Gary began building their dream home in Golden Colorado where Judy spent time decorating each "nook and cranny" with her special touch. Judy had a gift of creating a warm, inviting and elegant home.After 36 years of teaching Judy retired. Judy and Gary traveled to Europe, New England, Florida, Napa Valley and Canada. Judy loved cooking and considered it a "creative expression" as well as gardening. If you ever attend a family function at Judy's home you would surely be blessed with a beautiful presentation and exquisite food! Judy loved the Lord, and her family, she especially enjoyed doing crafts, cooking and reading with Faith, her granddaughter, talking with Kali, her granddaughter about her great granddaughter Sklyer and talking politics with grandson Mitchell.Judy leaves behind her husband Gary, daughter Kilyn, son in law JW and grandchildren Faith, Kali, Mitchell and great granddaughter Skyler as well as her sisters Betty-Jo Densmore and Patricia Hammond.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Tuesday, May 8, 2012 12:00AM Faith Lutheran Church 315 Security Boulevard Security, CO 80911 Phone: 719-392-5076