Caroline Jo Benne was born on her grandparent’s farm on April 5th, 1943. She died March 1st, 2024.   She lived 80 years, 10 months, 25 days, the majority of which as a resident of Republic County, Kansas.   She was the first of five children born to Milton Sweat and his wife Rosie (Jensen) Sweat, sister Minda, brother Loren, and twin sisters Karen and Sharon followed.  For many Caroline was always “Mitsy,” a nickname given in reference to her father, Mitt.

She attended Kackley Grade School from 1st. through 8th. grade and graduated from Courtland High School in 1961.    Shortly after graduation she married Don Ridpath and to this union two boys were born, Robert (1963) and David (1965).  Following her divorce from Don, she met and married Carl Clintsman in 1967. With this marriage Caroline gained a stepdaughter, Carla (Clintsman) Pata (1959).  Sadly, Carl passed away in 1972.

In 1976 Caroline married Howard Benne, gaining another stepdaughter Jodi (Benne) Swanson (1968).  They were soon joined by a son, Steven (1976). Stephanie (1977) and Michael (1978) were born prematurely and entered glory shortly after their births to await their loving mother and father.

As Caroline and Howard raised their family in Concordia throughout the 1980s, Caroline stayed busy with church activities at the First Christian Church of Concordia, selling Watkins products, supporting Meals on Wheels, singing in the choir and other programs.

In 1999 Caroline moved with Howard and Steven to their farm one mile south of Kackley, Kansas.  There, Caroline enjoyed her chickens, ducks, geese, guineafoul, turkeys and rabbits.  She took great pride in showing her topknot banty roosters and her beloved goose, Ebby.

She will be fondly remembered for her unconditional love and compassion for anyone in need, her skilled hand with a sewing machine or crochet hook, and the food that she prepared.  There was seldom a disappointment from Caroline’s kitchen.  Her cookies are renowned and her pies, casseroles, roasts and even her magic with Jello salads caused “Mitsy’s” to be a destination place for anyone who knew her.

She loved Elvis, Billy Graham, the Bible, Christian television and radio programs, her Soaps and she was as shocked as anyone when she found out J.R. had shot the mirror.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, husbands Carl and Howard, children Stephanie and Michael.

She will be fondly remembered by her siblings- Minda, Loren, Karen and Sharon.  Her Children- Carla, Robert, David, Jodi and Steven. Along with her grandkids, great grandkids and many other cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Services are being organized by the family; all are invited to attend. Cremation was chosen.  Services are set for March 9th, 2024, at 3:00p.m. at the Courtland Covenant Church, in Courtland, Kansas.  She will be laid to rest with her husband, Howard Benne at the Valley Cemetery Southeast of Norway following the service.  A portion of her remains will also be laid to rest with her husband Carl and her dear babies in Concordia at a later date.

A short visitation will be available the evening of Friday March 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Courtland Covenant Church, 505 Republic St., Courtland, Kansas.

Memorial gifts and condolences may be mailed to the church.  Courtland Covenant Church, P.O. Box 317, Courtland, Kansas 66939.

You are also welcome to share condolences or ask questions to her son, Steve via Facebook or by phone 785-374-3065.