Katherine Elizabeth Benich, affectionately known as K.K., passed away December 5, 2003. She was born November 12, 1921 in Delagua to John and Minnie (Smircich) Benich. She moved to Trinidad from Bear Canyon with her parents and 11 brothers and sisters in 1934, after her father returned with miners consumption having worked for over 30 years in many local coal mines.
She attended various coal camp schools and graduated from Trinidad High School in 1941. She received her BA degree from Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM and her MA degree from Adams State College. She taught school for 36 years at Morley, Park Street and East Street schools. She retired in 1984. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Senior Citizens Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers John, Tony, Nick, Frank and George; sisters Mildred Latuda, Tillie Benich; brothers-in-law Robert Latuda, Mac McCleary; sister-in-law Billie Benich and nephews Robert John (Spike) Latuda, Timothy Benich.
She is survived by her sisters Mary McCleary, Morgan City, LA; Frances (Martin) Johnson, Farmington, NM; Ann Benich, Houma, LA; brother Tom (Charlotte) Benich, Greeley, CO; sisters-in-law, Fern Benich, Salt Lake City, UT, Dorothy Benich, Louise, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Wednesday, December 10 from 2 - 6 p.m. at the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Father Thomas Melancon, S.J. officiating. Interment to follow at Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Active pallbearers are George Latuda, Tony Mattorano, Mario Mattorano, Robert W. Benich, Jim Zabilski and Bill Farnsworth.
The family requests that memorials be made to Trinidad Catholic Schools. Family may be contacted at the Tony and Cathy Mattorano residence, 13599 C. R. 73.3, (P.O, Box 881), Trinidad, CO 81082.
The family of Katherine E. Benich has entrusted arrangements to the Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home.
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