Candy Benning

Ilwaco resident Candy L. Benning, 63, died in Ilwaco on April 7, 2011 following a brief illness. Candy was born to J.D. and Lois Plumb on April 25, 1947 in Deadwood, South Dakota. She was a 1965 graduate of Brown High School in Sturgis, South Dakota and attended Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota. Candy met Jerry Benning two days after he returned home for service in the US Navy in June of 1965. They were married in Sturgis, South Dakota on January 8, 1966, and established their first home in Rapid City, South Dakota. On her birthday in 1967, Jerry and Candy made the move to the Long Beach Peninsula. Jerry initially accepted work at Sid's Market as a meat cutter and Candy began her very extensive career in the local banking industry. While making many residence changes throughout Pacific County, Candy was employed with several banks and insurance companies. When she and Jerry were living and working in South Bend, Candy was a familiar face to many customers at Capital Savings in South Bend. When she and Jerry made their current home in Ilwaco, Candy split her time working for Key Bank in both Ilwaco and Long Beach. Her dedication and caring to the people she served was unwavering and felt throughout the entire community. During her free time Candy loved gardening, shopping, knitting and baking. Her home was always filled to the brim with goodies she had baked, bought, or grown for her family. Candy also enjoyed spending time with friends. She was a member of the Lower Columbia Classics Car Club, Moose lodge, Pacific County Democrats, past member of the Beach Barons Car Club and the South Bend Chamber of Commerce. Above all else, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Candy was a loving mother to Jeanne L. Benning of Portland, Sandy J. Benning-Nussbaum (Mike) of Raymond, and Sherry Benning (Mark Powell) of Vancouver. She was also proud grandmother to Jordan, Sydney and Quinlyn Benning; George and Grace Powell; and Zachery and Taylor Nussbaum. Candy also freely accepted the role of mother and grandmother to so many who were drawn to her caring and loving nature. She loved so many. Candy is survived by her husband Jerry Benning at the family home in Ilwaco; her daughters and grandchildren; her mother Lois Plumb; brother Wayne (Jody) Plumb; and several nieces and nephews who will cherish the memories they made with Aunt Candy. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Her family requests that remembrances and memorials be made to the Ocean Beach Hospital Foundation. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.