Eileen Claire Benham, 98, of Jefferson City, MO, formerly of Bedford, IN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Heisinger Bluff Nursing Home in Jefferson City, MO. Born October 4, 1927, in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of Arthur and Eva Blanche (Bachand) Maynard.
Eileen married the love of her life, Harold Lester Benham, on June 23, 1945, in New Bedford, MA, and they were happily married for sixty-five years. She was a homemaker and cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who especially treasured time spent with her children and family. Eileen also worked as a beautician, was a Girl Scouts leader, and was a pink lady at Dunn Memorial Hospital.
She was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Bedford. Eileen delighted in playing bridge, square dancing, sewing, crocheting, and even skydiving a couple of times. Family camping trips, along with family gatherings and reunions, were some of her favorite times. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.
Eileen is survived by her children, Elaine (Roger) Wykoff of Bedford, IN, Maureen Benham of Colorado, Bill (Mary Pat) Benham of Florida, Alan Benham of Mitchell, IN, Nancy (James) Goode of Jefferson City, MO, Andrea (Gary) Lee of Bedford, IN; and many grandchildren; great grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Benham; her parents; son, Thomas “Tom” Benham; grandchildren, Vanessa Benham and Nicholas Hampton; and brother, Arthur.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Father Jegan Peter officiating. Burial will follow at the Hopkins Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening at the funeral home.
The caring staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Benham and her family.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
