Phyllis Sue Benham (April 01, 1940 - October 28, 2021)

In loving memory of
Phyllis Sue Benham
  • April 01, 1940
  • -
  • October 28, 2021

  • Obituary
  • Sign Tribute Wall
  • Send an E-Card
  • Light a Candle
  • Send Flowers
  • Photos

Obituary

Phyllis Sue Benham passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 28, 2021 at age 81 at her home in Fort Myers, Florida. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was born on April 1, 1940 in Bedford, Indiana. After graduating high school, she met the love her life, her husband, James Benham, marrying on July 5, 1958 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Phyllis is survived by her husband James of 63 years and her four daughters, Theresa Benham, Catherine Chase, Beth Benham and Margaret (Peggy) Kennedy (Robert). She will be missed by her grandchildren, Ervin Chase (Christina), Caitlyn Baker (Lewis), Siobhan LaTorre (Israel), Jimmy Chase, Nikki Basi, Tim Benroeck (Lisa), Bridget Garrelts (Zach), Rob Kennedy (Jodie) and her thirteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille Morrison Blevins and Campbell Blevins of Bedford, Indiana.

An author and entrepreneur, she published her first book “Woodstove Cookery” in 1981; she went on to write 6 cookbooks. In 1980, she founded Country Cooking Publications, later incorporated as CCP Graphics and Design. Phyllis’ accomplishments include producing and selling hundreds of thousands of annual Burger King coupon calendars and establishing a successful screen printing company. She counted among her many customers Burger King, Disney, McDonalds, KFC, Taco Bell, and Dollar General.
Phyllis was lucky in love and in life. She enjoyed visiting casinos and racetracks where she inevitably won, playing bridge, cooking and baking. Many people fondly remember the beautifully decorated Christmas cookies she shared with friends and loved ones each year.

Phyllis has the following words of wisdom. When in doubt, deduct. Always get three quotes. Go big or go home. Never play more than $5 pull on a slot machine. Never settle when it comes to men.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 12, 2021 at Saint John XXIII Catholic Church in the memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hope Hospice.


Service

Location:
Saint John XXIII
13060 Palomino Ln, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Get Driving Directions



Date & Time:
November 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM


Send flowers to the family to show you care. Order Now

Tribute Wall

Leave a reply



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Amy Greenwood says:
    10 Nov 2021
    Our most sincere and deepest sympathy to the entire Benham family. Phyllis will be so missed. She was the kindest and most giving person. A huge heart for giving to anyone in need. Her and Jim were always so kind to Tom and I, always had a kind word to pass along to others. Phyllis and her family are in our prayers!❤❤

  2. Minna Pylkkanen says:
    09 Nov 2021
    I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Phyllis. She was always so kind to me. She and Jim took me under their wing when I was an exchange student in Woodbridge, Virginia, and had to change families. I have many wonderful memories of my time with them. I am especially grateful that Phyllis invited me to join her when she promoted her first cookbook in the rural parts of Virginia and at book fairs. She even took the whole family with her to promote her book at the Disney World! She taught me about resilience and that women can start a succesful business at any age. With much love to the whole Benham family,

    Minna Pylkkanen, Finland

  3. Harry Odom says:
    04 Nov 2021
    Jim, so sorry to hear about the passing of your loving wife of 63 years. My wife and I have been married wife Annette have been married, and we thought that is a long time.
    From our days in the Midwest office, I have admiration for your service. I have to suspect your spouse had a lot to do with your dedication to your’s and her goals in life.
    Harry Odom

  4. Roxanne says:
    03 Nov 2021
    I am so saddened to hear of the loss of a great woman. I knew Phyllis as a sassy, and loving chef, mother, and grandmother. When I moved away for college, she continued to send me cookbooks and advice. It was much welcomed when I was incredibly homesick. I still cherish all of the cookbooks that she donated to me through the years, and although we lost touch during our busy lives, I will never forget how much she cared about me and others. Sending love and prayers to Jim and family.

    All my best,

    Roxanne

  5. Siobhan Latorre posted an image:
    02 Nov 2021


  6. Carol M.DiRenzo says:
    02 Nov 2021
    Dear Benham Family,
    I am so saddened by the passing of Phyllis. She was my Neighbor & Friend in J.B. for many years. We still communicated after She moved. We planned to meet for lunch. She was a great cook & creative baker. Always sharing with everybody. She is in my prayers. R.I.P.

  7. Carol M.DiRenzo says:
    02 Nov 2021
    Dear Benham Family,
    I am so saddened by the passing of Phyllis. She was my Neighbor & Friend in J.B. for many years. We still communicated after she moved. We planned to meet for lunch. She was a great Cook & creative Baker, always shared with everybody. She will be in my prayers. R.I.P.

  8. Leah Miles & Brendan Prokop says:
    02 Nov 2021
    So sorry for your loss… Sending the Benham family and friends loving thoughts and prayers for God’s peace that passes all understanding, for such a time as this.

  9. Lynne Viti lit a candle:
    02 Nov 2021
    Lit since November 2, 2021 at 11:03:40 PM

  10. Monica Gerardine Benham Vannella says:
    02 Nov 2021
    Aunt Phyllis is beloved by so many. May y'all find comfort and closure thru warm memories, gathered hearts, and the honor of her lovely traditions. She leaves a legacy of love and bonding thru her grands and great grands. Many Blessings, Monica Benham Vannella

  11. Monica Benham Vannella lit a candle:
    02 Nov 2021
    Lit since November 2, 2021 at 11:11:35 PM

  12. Monica Benham Vannella says:
    02 Nov 2021
    Aunt Phyllis is beloved by so many. I am praying for comfort and closure for family and friends; thru warm memories, gathered hearts, and her beautiful traditions being handed down to her grands and great grands. She still watches over y'all. My love to all. God bless.

  13. Jorjann M Howell says:
    02 Nov 2021
    I worked for Phyllis at CCP. She was such a sweet woman. My condolences to your family. I know she will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Phyllis.

  14. Pamela Eltrevoog says:
    01 Nov 2021
    So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Phyllis was a great lady. She will be missed

  15. Sue Arends posted an image:
    01 Nov 2021


  16. Sue Arends says:
    31 Oct 2021
    I love you so much Aunt Phyllis. Your love of family and friends was everything. You loved to cook and make meals for so many all of the time.
    Your fun laughter and good times will be missed so much. Give my mom and dad hugs from me.
    I will always love you and miss you so very much. ❤️❤️

  17. Cathi Mulroy says:
    31 Oct 2021
    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a very special lady and I lost a piece of my heart the day she died. May she rest in paradise. Heaven gained a spicy, feisty firecracker and I gained another angel. My love to you all.

  18. Steve Eagan says:
    31 Oct 2021
    Rest In Peace, my beautiful friend. You will be missed and always loved! ♥️♥️♥️

  19. Steve Eagan says:
    31 Oct 2021
    Rest In Peace, my loving and dear friend.
    You will be missed! Much Love ❤️ ♥️♥️

  20. Beth Benham posted an image:
    31 Oct 2021
    True ❤️ love
    True ❤️ love

  21. Beth Benham posted an image:
    31 Oct 2021


Send an E-Card

Please select an e-card

    Required fields are marked *
     

    Note: The code below resets with every submit of the form
    captcha