Twila M. Benjamin
Twila M. Benjamin, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, in Nampa, Idaho at the age of 95.
Twila M. Benjamin, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, in Nampa, Idaho at the age of 95.
July 19, 1927 — May 30, 2023
Twila M. Benjamin, a devoted wife, loving mother and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully May 30, 2023, in Nampa, Idaho, at the age of 95.
Born to Bertha Cusic Montgomery and Ralph Eugene “Monty” Montgomery, Twila began her journey July 19, 1927, in Colorado. Twila would proudly boast about attending Princeton and Harvard (high schools), sharing the amusing irony of the prestigious institution names. Twila went on to live a remarkable life filled with faith, family, and adventure.
Twila's path led her to Caldwell, Idaho, where she met and married William Hiram Benjamin. They were united in marriage on Feb. 20, 1949, and were married for 37 years until Bill’s passing in 1986. They were blessed with seven children, who brought immeasurable joy and pride to their lives.
In the late 1950s, Twila and Bill relocated to Royal City, Wash., where they purchased land and forged lasting connections within the community. Twila's passion for faith led her to become a founding member of the Royal City Church of the Nazarene, where she actively participated in various church programs and ministries, including Sunday school, Caravan and Bible quizzing.
Twila moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1992, after retiring from the supply department of Carnation Potato in Othello, Wash. Twila found joy in caring for daycare children alongside her son James. Her robust spirit touched the lives of those she cared for and their families. Later, she became a shaved ice entrepreneur, using a summer business to teach values to her grandchildren.
One of Twila's greatest joys in life was her family. To celebrate her 80th birthday, she embarked on her first cruise, accompanied by 22 of her children, grandchildren and friends on a trip to Alaska. This marked the beginning of her adventurous travel expeditions. With her granddaughter Amy as her cabin-mate and personal guide, Twila cruised to various destinations worldwide, including Australia, Bora Bora, Italy, the Holy Land and the Panama Canal. She delighted in sharing stories from her travels, like the time she climbed Machu Picchu, rode a camel at the Creation Museum’s Ark Encounter or rode a Segway through Disney World, leaving a lasting impression on all who listened.
Twila's commitment to her faith continued throughout her life. She attended First Church of the Nazarene and Five Mile Church of the Nazarene in Boise, and Valley Shepherd Nazarene in Meridian. Twila's involvement in church activities was a testament to her unwavering faith.
In her final years, Twila cherished going back to her roots and raising sheep and chickens on a small piece of land in Meridian, Idaho. With her beloved and fearless ranch hand cat Angel by her side, Twila found immense joy in tending to her flock. Although circumstances later forced her to move to Nampa due to commercial expansion, the memories of those happy years spent on her land with Angel remained close to her heart.
Twila M. Benjamin will be remembered as a woman of faith, a devoted wife, a loving mother and a cherished Gammie. Her kind heart, spunky opinions, adventurous spirit and unconditional love touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories that will forever be treasured.
Preceded in death by her husband, William Hiram Benjamin, and her sister, Yvonne Warn, Twila is survived by her seven children, William Benjamin Jr. and his wife, Sarah, of Birmingham, Ala.; Eugene Benjamin and his wife, Paula, of Richland, Wash.; Larry Benjamin of Hanna, Wyo.; Willa and her husband, Steve Braddock, of Nampa, Idaho; James Benjamin and his wife, Lisa, of Boise, Idaho; Glen Benjamin of Noble, Ill.; and Edith and her husband, Jason Benjamin, of Loveland, Colo.; 22 grandchildren and over 27 great-grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Twila will be laid to rest in Royal Memorial Gardens in Royal City, Wash., on Friday, June 9 at 2 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Twila's life will be held at a later date — visit nampafuneralhome.com for updates. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Twila's memory to AnswersInGenesis.org
"Her children arise and call her blessed." — Proverbs 31:28
