Judy Gail Bench's Obituary
Judy Gail Bench, 69, passed away at her home in TuLakes, KS on February 14, 2018. She was born in Wichita, KS on October 25, 1948 to Wilby Dale and Betty Lou (Watkins) Holdaway. Judy married Darrell Bench in Miami, OK on May 31, 1975. He survives at their home.
Judy grew up in Wichita, KS, attending and graduating from high school in Valley Center, KS. She was in the accounting field for 22 years before returning to school at the age of 51 to fulfill her dream of being a nurse. Upon graduation, she worked as an LPN in a nursing home and took great pride in her job. She was a hard worker who did a wonderful job and was often complimented for her skills by those she cared for.
She was a great wife, loving mother, the best grandmother, and was considered the backbone of her family. Judy was an excellent cook and loved attending her grandkids sporting events. She especially liked attending her grandson, Aaron’s, baseball games and never missed a single one. Upon retiring, Judy was able to enjoy more traveling with Darrell, and took multiple trips with him in the last few years. Judy will be missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include:
Husband:
Darrell Bench, of the home
Daughters:
Jill Bench and fiancé Chris Mitchell of Chanute, KS
Randi Haviland and husband Mark of Chanute, KS
Devin Bench and Stacy Splechter of Chanute, KS
Mother:
Betty Holdaway of Welllington, KS
Brothers:
Jim Holdaway of Wellington, KS
Joe Holdaway of Valley Center, KS
Uncle:
Maurice “Mo” Watkins of Wellington, KS
9 Grandchildren:
Aaron Haviland
Nathan Leatherwood
Jessica Leatherwood
Alana Clifford
McKenzie Mitchell
Ashley Haviland
Kelsey Haviland
Jakob Bench
Kaleb Bench
1 Great-Grandchild:
Emily Leatherwood
Judy was preceded in death by her father, Wilby Dale Holdaway.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home – Johnson Chapel followed immediately by a service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, KS. Memorials have been suggested to the American Legion Post #170 Baseball Fund and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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