Bennie Darlou Matthews

POCATELLO " Bennie Darlou Matthews passed away September 17, 2008 at a local assisted living facility in Pocatello, ID. She was born to Margaret Ethel Mason and Casper Andrew Bendixsen on March 7, 1925 at Alexander, Idaho. She was the sixth of ten children. She moved with her family at age two to Osgood, Idaho, when their home burned down at Alexander. She attended elementary school at Osgood and high school at Idaho Falls.

She married Dale Koester at Idaho Falls on February 2, 1947. They had three children; Kevin, Marsha, and Peggy. Bennie (Darlou) dedicated her life at the Fish Creek ranch in Lava to loving and nurturing her family; assuring them that they were the most important treasures she had. She and Dale were later divorced.

She married Lloyd Matthews on November 2, 1979, at Soda Springs. To this union, Lloyd brought two sons, Chad of Dillon Montana and Eric of Soda Springs, Idaho. While living in Soda Springs, she displayed her talents in oil painting, expert stitchery, and enjoyed golf and involvement in civic activities. They owned and operated an auto dealership until their retirement in 1992. They relocated to Nampa, Idaho where they made many new friends. They traveled south in the winter to enjoy the sunshine. They returned to Pocatello in 1998.

Bennie (Darlou) will always be remembered for her gentle, dignified, beautiful ways.

She is survived by; her husband, Lloyd J. Matthews; stepsons, Chad and Eric. She is also survived by her three children; Kevin (Pam) Koester, Lava Hot Springs, Marsha (Norm) Lish, Marsh Center, Peggy (Rick) Armstrong, Downey. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Glen Bendixsen, Richard Bendixsen, Calvin Bendixsen and sister Joyce Reed. Preceding her in death were; her parents; sister, Margaret Robertson, brothers; Gene, Bill, Vern and Jack Bendixsen.