Verna Benge

Born in Neosho, Missouri, she was brought to California by her mother in 1944 and raised in

Northern California by her parents. She returned to Neosho in 2006 and later moved back to

California in 2020, where she spent the remainder of her life in Ione, California.

She spent many years as a dedicated employee with several school districts throughout the

Sacramento area, retiring from the Folsom-Cordova School District in 1996. She had a deep love

for family gatherings, social activities, and traveling the open road with her brother, Jackie “Jack”

Mitchell, a long-haul truck driver. She was never one to sit still—always on the go and eager to

embrace life’s next adventure.

Creative by nature, there wasn’t an art or craft she wouldn’t try. She was an active member of the

Daughters of the American Revolution, P.E.O., and the Episcopal Church, where she built lasting

friendships and faithfully served her community.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Roderick “Rod” Benge; her daughter, Joy

Butler, and son-in-law, Randy Butler; her son, Eric Benge and Brenda Jenkins; her brother, Albert

“Bud” Mitchell; her granddaughter, Natalie Smiley, and her husband, Daniel Smiley; and her

grandsons, Wayne Zucco, Eric Hagopian, and Jacob Butler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford Vernon “Jack” Mitchell and Edna Mitchell; her

sister, Joy Lowe; and her brother, Jackie “Jack” Mitchell.

She was deeply loved by her family and friends. Her joyful spirit, boundless energy, creativity, and

love for those around her will be remembered always. She will be greatly missed but forever

cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.