JoAnn Benda

JoAnn Benda passed away peacefully on August 1, 2009 at Kavanagh Hospice House. Born Marilyn JoAnn Sheets on December 21, 1932 near Cambria, Iowa, to Herl Albert Sheets and Opal Roe Sheets, she was raised on farms near Cambria and Humeston.
JoAnn was an all-state basketball player, and upon graduation married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Duane Benda on July 29, 1951 in Biloxi, Mississippi. They were married 58 years, lived in Des Moines and raised three daughters. JoAnn worked at Meredith Publishing for nearly 25 years. She was president of a local TTT Sorority, which sends disadvantaged girls to summer camp. She served as a leader for Camp Fire Girls, a deacon at Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, and was a member of the Presbyterian Women's Association and American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed cooking for family, friends and church events; sewing, reading and golf.
JoAnn was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed by the many people she touched, especially husband Vernon Benda; daughters: Cheryl (Jim) Laurence of Barrington, IL, Nancy (Mitchell) Paul of Burlington, IA, and Leslie (Brian) Jensen of Waconia, MN grandchildren: Taylor and Whitney Laurence, Charlie and Max Paul, and Laura and Margaux Jensen; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
After cremation, visitation will be held from 10-11 A.M. Friday, August 7th at Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, followed by a memorial service at 11 A.M., then fellowship and food.
The family suggests memorials to Park Avenue Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Central Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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