Benham

April 1, 1940 – October 28, 2021

Phyllis Sue Benham

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.