DONNA GAY (KOEPPEN) BENDA Obituary (1943

Donna Benda, 76, a retired teacher in the Libby School system, died November 11, 2020 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. Born November 16, 1943 at Pocatello, Idaho to Louis Koeppen and Leota Lierman Koeppen, she was raised and educated in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane, graduating from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane. She attended North Idaho College and then the University of Idaho, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She married Bruce Benda in 1965. They came to Libby in 1966 where she taught in the grade school of Libby School District 4 and St. John Lutheran School, later returning to Libby Public Schools until retiring from teaching in 1988. She later had worked at Pamida for a period of time as well. She was preceded in death by her husband Bruce in 2013 as well as her parents, a brother and a sister. She had been an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, participating in many church activities. Donna enjoyed playing the piano and had been a voracious reader and had been a huge fan of Laurel and Hardy. She is survived by her sons, Robert "Rob" Benda and Michael "Mike" Benda, both of Libby. Due to Coved 19 restrictions, a service will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories may be shared online by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com