Susan Noble (Hancock) Benkelman passed away on the afternoon of April 29, 2019.  She was born on May 16, 1945 in Baltimore, MD to John Harvey Hancock and Joan (LaGarde) Hancock.  She grew up in St. Francis, KS. After graduation, she attended Kansas State University for 2 years.  She married William S. Benkelman "Bill" on June 8, 1966. They moved to WaKeeney in 1967 to establish their family.

Susan was a professional volunteer including:  A 55 year member of P.E.O., also serving a term as President of the Kansas State P.E.O. Board, past state president of Kansas Optometric Association Auxiliary, American Optometric Association Auxiliary Woman of the Year, WaKeeney Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator, Trego County Library Board Member, and an active Member of FUMC.  Susan and Bill were team members on 10 Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity trips.

Her hobbies included reading, cribbage, bridge, Rummikub, and entertaining.

Susan had a way of making everyone she met feel welcome and loved.  Many people considered her a second mother. Susan could also be a feisty lady not afraid to speak her mind.  She will be dearly missed by all the lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.  Her legacy that she shared with her husband of 52 years Dr. William Benkelman consists of son Barry H. Benkelman and wife Susan of Lawrence, KS, son John H. Benkelman and wife Dr. Heather Robben of rural Riga, KS, two grandsons William L. and Jackson K. Benkelman of Lawrence, KS, her younger brother John L. Hancock of Jacksonville, AL and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be on Friday May 10 th at 11am at the First United Methodist Church in WaKeeney.  Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 that morning in the Church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to P.E.O. Chapter CT, PO Box 458, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

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