Lennox: Judy Irene (Carlson) Nichols Benz, 63, of Lennox passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011, in her home, ending a faith-filled battle against cancer.
Judy was born June 29, 1948, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Leonard and Geraldine (Haley) Carlson, and graduated from high school in Brandon, SD, in 1966. She married Robert Nichols and lived in Minnesota and then Sioux Falls, with their three children. They divorced, and in 1976 she was united in marriage to Ron Benz. They lived in Sioux Falls and then Lennox and added two children.
Judy's life revolved around relationships, service, family and friends. She won several awards with Tupperware and the Homesteaders funeral insurance group. Most recently, she worked at Cigna Tel-Drug, where she was known for the baked goods she so often provided. Her food was always her deep expression of love for others. Judy also developed meaningful relationships with several ladies from Lennox, including a group affectionately self-titled "The Yo-Yos." She also started Benz Pre-need Services in 1998, which she continued until the time of her death.
Grateful for having shared her life is her husband, Ron. Also blessed are her children: Tonya (Donnie) Luond of Ipswich, SD, Rob (Renae) Nichols, Alicen (Colin) Strombeck and Josh (Gina) Benz, all of Sioux Falls, and Sarah (Jason) Boyce of Alpharetta, GA; 14 grandchildren: Brooke, Tiffany, Haley and Nik Luond, Ranessa, Raeann, Renecca and Rylan Nichols, Asher, Tekoa and Maizey Strombeck, Emma and Deacon Benz, and Ellyana Boyce; two sisters: Eileen (Richard) Johnson of Garretson, SD, and Linda DeWitte (Tom Hytry) of Yorkville, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents in 1998 and 2004.
Funeral services for Judy Benz were held Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the Second Reformed Church in Lennox, with reception following. The Rev. Dr. Harlan Hayunga and Pastor Larry Forristall officiated and burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery at Bruce, SD.
The Johnson-Henry Funeral Home of Arlington was in charge of arrangements.
Guest book is available at johnsonfh.com.
