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BORN
1965
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Doris Benavides Obituary
She was born July 31, 1965, in Ogden, Utah, to Delfino and Susan (Ruybal) Ruybal.
Doris attended schools in Pueblo and New Mexico and graduated from North High School in Denver. After graduation, she started at the University of Northern Colorado, where she received her bachelor's degree in history and her master's degree in educational leadership.
She married Wayne Scott Benavides Sept. 4, 1988, in Greeley. He passed April 18.
After graduating with her master's, she began working at Aims Community College, then UNC, Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, and then at Front Range Community College, where she was director at the Brighton Center.
She served on the strategic planning committee, road map to achievement planning committee and was a speech competition judge.
She also served on the School District 27J Long Range Planning Committee, was a member of the board of directors for the Brighton Chamber of Commerce and the North Metro Small Business Development Committee, a Brighton Housing Authority board commissioner and an Eagle Ridge Academy board member.
Doris received the 2015 Employee Excellence Award from Front Range Community College, the 2014 Denver Regional Council of Governments Gold Award for Community Livability, Brighton, the 2014 Brighton Economic Development Excellence in Partnership Award and was nominated for the 2012 Administrator of the Year for Front Range Community College.
Doris' passions included advocating for struggling and at-risk youth and spending time with her family.
She enjoyed swimming and had a strong butterfly stroke.
Doris was down to earth and was a mentor to co-workers and students and all she met with encouragement.
Survivors include her daughters, Marielena Jean Ruybal (Gabriel Cortez), of La Salle, and Angelica Saralee Benavides (Jose Mendoza), of Evans; sons, Juan Peralta Benavides (fiancée, Brittney Kemper), of Northglenn, and Andres Augustine Benavides, of ChampionsGate, Florida; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Billie and Del Benavides, of Evans; sisters, Debra Delgado, of Denver, Jeanette Almeida, of Brush and Arabella Gutierrez, of Aurora; brothers, Dale Ruybal, of Seoul, South Korea, and J.D. Ruybal (Dena) of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and three grandchildren, Angel Ruybal, Jesus Ruybal and Kolima Cortez.
Her parents; her husband; and a sister, Monica Ruybal, preceded her in death.
A celebration of Doris' Life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Journey Christian Church, 4754 W. 31st St., Greeley.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Front Range Community College to be used for a scholarship fund in memory of Doris Benavides. Send in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th St., Greeley 80634.
Visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Doris Benavides
October 26, 2017
Tenemos un maravilloso Dios que nos da buenas esperanzas y que a pesar del inmenso dolor que produce la muerte de un ser querido tambien nos fortaleces con su palabra el se tragara a la muerte para ciempre Isaias 25:8
Norma Acosta
October 19, 2017
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel.
My Dear friend Dori, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. It is hard to believe that you are no longer with us. Coming to work is no longer the same. I miss you dearly!
Love, Norma Acosta
Eric and Gabriella Rennaker
October 9, 2017
Although this message is delayed, the prayers and thoughts from my wife and I started from the moment we heard of our good friend Dori's passing. At the same time, we learned about Wayne's passing, which made us very sad too. As life gets busy with work and family, especially children, time and space comes between friendships, which was the case with us, but (as I read once) good friends are like stars in the sky - you don't always see them, but you always know they are there. In general, there are two points to this message: 1) to express our deepest condolences to the children and family of Dori and Wayne; 2) to contribute to the stories of how special and wonderful Dori and Wayne were, individually and as a couple. Dori and I (Eric) have somewhat of a long history together. We attended the Upward Bound Program, graduated from North, and enrolled at UNC together. We made many trips from Greeley to Denver on Fridays since I had a car. We also worked together in college and professionally after college because she had encouraged me to apply for both jobs, one of many examples of how she was always helping others improve their lives. A piece of who I am is definitely gone; you will be missed greatly my friend. Wayne was also very special - one of the kindest, warmest, and most genuine individuals we have ever met. Again, our deepest condolences go out to their children and family.
Susie
October 1, 2017
My sympathy goes out to the Family during this time of grief. May Gods loving kindness comfort and help you through this difficult time
Psalms 119:76
Mary Mattson
September 28, 2017
You were a great colleague to work with. I will truly miss you. May God be with your family during this difficult time for them.
J. Hodge
September 27, 2017
My condolences goes out to the family during this difficult time. May you find a measure of comfort found in God's promise at John 6:40 which says that soon we will all see our loved ones again.
April Menzies
September 26, 2017
Dori and I met during Roadmap at FRCC. I admired her enthusiasm, creativity, determination, and dedication to students. Although our paths have not crossed for some time, I will miss my friend and colleague.
Mona Martinez
September 23, 2017
You were the most wonderful person I could have ever known ,much less be blessed to call my Auntie! I will miss you Dearly Tia
Say hi to My Uncle ,and may you 2 love birds Rest in Eternal Peace
Mary Nell Stringer
September 21, 2017
All of us at Eagle Ridge Academy send our deepest sympathies. We were so fortunate to have Dori as a board member who always advocated for our students and community.
John Ruybal
September 21, 2017
Dori I Miss you very much Ive been crying for days on end and I miss You VERY much I cannot wait ti see you agian
Ellie G. Lee
September 20, 2017
To our dear Family, Although we didn't see our cousin/grand niece, Dori very often, she was always on our minds and hearts.She truly is a beautiful person inside and out! What a gracious host all of you were when we visited from New Mexico. We will definitely miss her and Wayne at the next family reunion. We truly are sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. With time, may peace be with all of you. Big hugs!
From: Aunt Henrietta & Uncle Adolph Gallegos, Aunt Yolanda Roybal, Ellie & Ed Lee and Margaret Gallegos.
Chelsea Stow
September 20, 2017
I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of my colleague and friend, Dori. She and I were hired at the same time in 2009 (me part-time, her full-time) and grew close during my time at the Brighton Center. She was an invaluable resource when my grandmother died, helped me navigate numerous student challenges, judged the Speech Showcase every year, and served as a reference when I applied for my full-time job at FRCC. We shared a love of turtles and laughter. Slow and steady wins the race, my friend but whatever will I do without you?
Kristy Stearns
September 20, 2017
Dori's passion for students and enthusiasm for her community was an inspiration. She had a heart for others and will be missed.
Bobbie Harbert
September 20, 2017
Doris Jean will always remain in my heart. She never failed to show love and kindness to those she came in contact with. She was an awesome woman of God, a great mother, a mentor and a wonderful friend to me. Peace be with you my dear sister in Christ.
Julie and Jim Trujillo Stiehl
September 20, 2017
Our memories of Dori will always be of a woman who was dedicated to improving the lives of students, particularly those whose obstacles often made progress in school difficult. Dori believed deeply in the power of an education, and during the years we worked together at the Greeley Dream Team, she used her many creative talents to support students achieve their goals and dreams. Dori was a lovely woman, inside and out, and it was a true pleasure to work with and get to know her. Dori's contributions students and to the community will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Erin Hoag
September 20, 2017
Dori was not only my colleague, but my friend. I have not seen her in a few years due to our lives taking different paths, but I loved her enthusiasm, authenticity, and commitment to the betterment of others. Dori, you will be sorely missed! Love, Erin Hoag
Ayelet Zur-Nayberg
September 20, 2017
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
David Ahrens
September 20, 2017
"I only knew Dori for a short time but she made me feel as if I had known her for years. She was kind, accomplished, knowledgeable and thoughtful. She seemed to care about others more than herself. Dori lit up the room when she was in it. I know she will be deeply missed and I am so very sorry for her family and friends. This is such a profound loss for them and our entire community."
September 19, 2017
Dori will always be remembered as a compassionate person for students who needed a smile and the knowledge she was there for them. Her leadership at the college and in the community will be remembered and missed.
Lydia Brokaw
Mike and Teri Dolan
September 19, 2017
One of my greatest memories of Dori was the fact she was a person of real faith real in words and in deeds. I sat with her on a couple of occasions and spoke about her passion to serve others. She never met a child she didn't love especially those God gave her and her husband to raise. Oh, how she smiled when she spoke of her children. There was a glow that came about her.
She loved the Lord and she loved her family. What a testimony to a life lived.
Ryan McCoy
September 19, 2017
Dori was always so thoughtful. She was an amazing advocate for her students and I will miss our conversations. I hope the angels can keep up with her ambitions.
Donna Craine
September 19, 2017
Dori loved students and loved Front Range Community College. She shared that love by helping students achieve their dreams. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her kind heart and boundless energy.
September 19, 2017
We wish to express our sympathy to all of her family.
Paul and Betty Wickenkamp Holyoke, CO.
Cecilia Gowdy-Wygant
September 19, 2017
Our deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time. With deep respect for our colleague and friend,
Charlie Cummings
September 19, 2017
Dori's kindness and compassion will always stand out in my memory. She was a wonderful colleague and will be missed greatly.
Phyllis Endicott
September 19, 2017
I was shocked and so sorry to read of Dori's untimely death in today's Tribune, as well as mention of Wayne's April death. What a terrible loss of a wonderful, kind, and giving couple. I knew Dori when she was a student at UNC and admired her persistent, intelligent and giving spirit then and throughout her life. My deepest condolences to her children and in-laws. Phyllis Endicott
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