Patty Jean Benenhaley

Patty Jean Benenhaley, 91, died in the early hours of August 12th, 2025, at Lexington Medical Center, after battling a series of illnesses. Born in Jasper County, Missouri, on March 10th, 1934, she resided in Portland, Oregon and made West Columbia, South Carolina, her final home. She was married to William Jesse Benenhaley for 58 years, where they found themselves stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, Tachikawa, Japan, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Patty was a military wife, an avid homemaker, and a foster parent who fostered nearly 25 children, next to her own.

Her husband, William Jesse Benenhaley; mother, Ora Sellers; sisters, Margie Huff, Betty Williams, and Barbara Middleton; brother, Daniel Sellers; and son-in-law, Johnny Ratliff, preceded her in death.

Surviving are her daughter, Sharon Ratliff; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Trina Benenhaley; grandchildren and spouses, Tanner and Tiffany Clark, Nikki Benenhaley and Pablo Nicolas Matsumura, Abby and Taylor Ditch; many nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Linda LaTorre. 

Thompson Funeral Home on Augusta Highway in Lexington, South Carolina, is in charge of the visitation from 5-6 pm and the service from 6-7 pm on Thursday, August 14th.

She will be laid to rest on Friday, August 15th, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 11 am, alongside her husband.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Lexington Medical Center 8th South Floor Inpatient Hospice, for their exceptional care. A special thank you to Jennifer Clemonts, RN, and Dr. Hope Brainard, Lexington Hospitalist, for their dedication to providing comfort and support for end-of-life care.