Lee Ellen (Johnson) Benash

Lee Ellen (Johnson) Benash, 67 years of age, of Lincoln, formerly Beatrice, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 after a long battle with dementia and more recently, cancer. She was born on December 19, 1956 in Peoria, Illinois to William and Lorna (Stutheit) Johnson. Lee was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose warmth and happiness touched the lives of all who knew her. She worked for the local gas company from her early twenties until she retired from Black Hills Energy in 2016.  After retirement, Lee enjoyed working at her leisure for Poling Drug and Russ’s Market in Beatrice. With a cup of coffee in hand and a book in her lap, Lee found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her passion for literature was a source of joy throughout her life. But above all, Lee cherished her role as a grandmother. She loved to take the grandkids on trips with her husband Chuck, visiting the Ozarks, Branson, and her all time favorite, North Padre Island. Her memory will live on in the pages of the books she adored, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Lee is survived by her mother, Lorna Johnson of Adams; daughters, Lisa Morrow and husband Brian of Lincoln, Beth Harris and husband Jeff of Hickman, Shannon Hudson-Benash and wife Missy of Omaha, Stacey Benash of Elkhorn; grandchildren, Cassie Neukirch, Alexa Neukirch, Tyson Neukirch, Anden Neukirch, Ellie Morrow, Mason Harris, Charlee Harris, Beckett Harris, Kellan Hudson-Benash, Blake Hudson-Benash, Isaac Melcher, Wren Carson; great grandchild, Ronan Neukirch; sister, Lynne Cobb and husband Jim of Seattle, Washington; brother, Scott Johnson and wife Kelli of Austin, Texas; and several other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, William Johnson; and husband, Charles “Chuck” Benash on May 3, 2010.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, April 29, 2024 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Pastor David Bigley officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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