Colleen Marie Benfiet

Moxee, WA. - Colleen Marie (Patnode) Benfiet, 74, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on March 29, 2026. Her strong faith in the Lord brought her much peace and acceptance during her brief illness. We are grateful to have so many wonderful memories to help get us through this sad time.

Born on July 27, 1951, in Yakima, WA., Colleen was the beloved daughter of Paul and Florence(Rivard) Patnode. She was the 7th of 9 children growing up on the family hop ranch in Moxee, and spent her early years working in the fields doing various jobs, such as training and arching, and she loved riding in the hop trucks during harvest. She mentioned in the past how fortunate she was to have had such a wonderful childhood.

Colleen was very devoted to Holy Rosary Parish, attending Holy Rosary Grade School, Saint Joseph Academy and Carroll High School. It was while attending Yakima Business College that her classmate, Helen, introduced her to her brother, Richard, and from there the romance grew. Colleen and Rich were married November 4, 1972, and from that union came two beautiful daughters, Amy and Megan.

Colleen found great joy in her service to her church and community. Her beautiful voice could be heard in the choir, and at many church events and weddings. We know she is now happily singing with the angels in heaven. She generously gave of her time and talents in so many ways. She helped make sandwiches for the homeless, shared her love of crafts at church bazaars, sponsored a child in Ethiopia, and helped the Ladies of Saint Anne wherever she was needed.

Colleen had an amazing work ethic. She worked at Seattle First and Pacific Banks in her early years, and then went to work for Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors, retiring after 28 years. She also did side jobs working for the Yakima Fairgrounds counting money during fair time, and she loved her job as an usher at the Capitol Theatre.

Colleen enjoyed spending time with the many friends she kept in contact with through the years. Getting together with them for Bunco, traveling, crafting and playing cards brought her much joy and laughter. Gardening brought her peace, and she planted the prettiest zinnia garden each year for all to enjoy.

She loved her family dearly and found great joy in hosting many family gatherings throughout the years. She loved cooking and decorating her home for every holiday... So much love and laughter that filled our hearts when we were together.

Colleen is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard, her two beautiful daughters, Amy Benfiet and Megan (Mike) Jurvakainen, and her two grandchildren, Tressa and Austin Lane. She is also survived by six brothers and sisters who she loved very much, many nieces and nephews as well as many, many wonderful friends.

She is preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Alan Patnode, along with many other very special relatives.

Special thanks to the hospice staff from Multi-Care and Catholic Home Care Services for their compassionate care of Colleen during her illness.