Thelma Benefell

Thelma Pickering Simmons Benfell passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023. She was born on November 20, 1922, to Daisy Ann Elkins and William Etzel Pickering, in a house on Cherry Street in Murray, Utah. Thelma spent her summer vacations in her early life at her Aunt Rose's raspberry farm in Murray.
Thelma attended Franklin, Washington and Plymouth Elementary Schools; Jackson Jr. High and West High School. In 1969, she received her GED.
Thelma married Kerby Francis Simmons on June 21, 1941. They raised their 5 daughters, along with Thelma's cousin, Lois Elkins, in Magna and had many wonderful friends. She worked for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women's Auxiliary during World War II, and served as State President for one year. In 1959, Thelma and Kerby divorced. Kerby passed away in 1984.
Thelma married Leonard Howard Benfell in 1975. She retired and they traveled the world for the next 38 years, visited 87 different countries and met many lasting friends. Len passed away from ALS in 2016.
Thelma worked at Eitel McCullough, and the Utah State Division of Social Services. She started a federal program for seniors to assist with questions about Medicare.
Thelma learned how to play bridge at age 19 and became a Bridge Silver Life Master. In 1960, she started a bridge club for single parents. In 1998, Len and Thelma started a duplicate bridge club at Mt. Olympus Senior Center, which is still going strong. Thelma enjoyed bowling, golfing, cooking, reading, and traveling. Her first love was Bridge.
Her secret to longevity: Keeping a positive attitude; a good sense of humor; spending time with family; having a good support team with her daughters and their spouses, and her neighbor, Eve Mary Verde. She loved hearing from her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters, Frances (Jay) Whitmore, JoLynn Christensen (Sherri Cropper), Vickie (Jim) Balis, Collette Faust and Lois Elkins Harmon; her stepdaughters, Sharolyn Benfell and Marcelyn (Richard) Kant. Thelma's descendants also include: 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-great grandchildren.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, two husbands, daughter, Lyla Kay Adams; granddaughters, Helen and Heather Faust and great-granddaughter, Olivia Kaye Balis.
Thelma celebrated her 100th birthday in November 2022 surrounded by many family members and friends. It was a beautiful day celebrating her life. Thelma was blessed to see many close friends and family members before she passed away. There will be no memorial service.
Thelma has donated her body to the University of Utah Medical Center. The family would like to thank Dr. F. Gottlieb; Kendee, Shannon, and all employees from Valeo Hospice; Eve Mary Verde and Jerry Sandack, for their help in caring for Thelma during her recent illness.
If you choose to make a donation, please donate to the charity of your choice.