Dee Benham

Dee Curtis Benham, a lifetime resident of Idaho Falls, passed away at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living on September 26, 2011, of causes incident to age. His life changed dramatically in 2009, when he suffered a stroke associated with the optic nerve that left him substantially blind. Dee was born September 29, 1930, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Harry Raymond Benham and Emily Francis Treasure Benham. Following his graduation from Idaho Falls High School, he accepted a call to the Kentucky LDS mission. Shortly after his return, he served four years in the United States Air Force, including an assignment in North Africa. A few years after his release from the military, he purchased a small health food store housed in a one-bedroom home in a residential district of Idaho Falls. Dee was productive in developing a significant business clientele and a substantial circle of friends at DC Natural Foods on Corner Avenue. In the early 1970's, Dee joined several over-the-hill men to enjoy aggressive motorcycle trail riding in the mountains he loved. Those relationships phased out according to age, and in the intervening years his social and interpersonal activities included activity according to his ultra-conservative political views. Dee is survived by his sister, Patricia Benham Guthrie of Farmington, UT; and his stepsister, Annette (McKay) Guthrie of Idaho Falls, ID. He was a loving friend to Patricia’s husband, Darrell, and his three nephews: Kirk (Toby) Guthrie of Phoenix, AZ; Bret (Debbie) Guthrie of Loveland, CO; and Todd (Shelley) Guthrie of Farmington, UT; 13 grandnephews and two grandnieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 3, 2011, at Wood East Side Chapel, 963 South Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services at Wood East Side. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.

Funeral Services -- Monday

2:00 p.m. ,Monday, October 3, 2011 Wood Funeral Home East Side 963 South Ammon Road Idaho Falls, ID 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services at Wood East Side. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.