JOAN BENHAM

JOAN BENHAM

Des Moines

Joan Benham, 79, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at Wesley Acres Care Center in Des Moines.

In agreement with Joan's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no visitation held. A private memorial committal service for the family is being planned for a later date at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Joan was born on April 24, 1930 in Muscatine, Iowa to John Fredrick and Mildred Ann (Benham) Below. She was a graduate of Iowa State University in Ames, IA and also Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where she had earned her Master's degree. In 1955, Joan married A. Arthur Davis in Des Moines, and their marriage was blessed with two children, Pam and Mark. Mr. and Mrs. Davis later divorced. Joan was formerly employed as a Career Counselor in Social Services for many years. She had resided at various places including Evanston, IL and the Bay Area of California, prior to moving back to Des Moines in 1998. She enjoyed reading and loved spending time with her family. In her earlier years, Joan also enjoyed entertaining, cycling and walking along Lake Michigan.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her children, Dr. Pam Davis of the United Kingdom and Mark (Marilee) Davis of Des Moines; brother, John (Genevieve) Below of Berkley, CA; five grandchildren, James Arthur Marshall and Isabella Alexandra Marshall both of the United Kingdom, Max Davis of Storm Lake, IA, Jamie (Marcee) Nikkel of Pleasant Hill, IA and Scott Nikkel of Altoona; and two great-grandchildren, Karleen Kruse of Storm Lake and Tommy Nikkel of Pleasant Hill. Joan was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any memorial contributions be made to either the American Cancer Society or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.