Katherine Benedict

CARBONDALE - Katherine "Kathy" Benedict died Friday afternoon, Feb. 7, 2025 at Century Assisted Living after a brief illness. She was in the company of friends and Century staff who knew and loved her. 

Kathy was a bright, quiet, elegant, committed, and kind person. She studied design, ceramics, and weaving at the University of Michigan (BS), Alfred University, and Cranbrook Academy of Art (MFA). She was a ceramic artist and a weaver. She also owned Katherine Benedict Allstate Insurance Agency, in Carbondale and worked at Carbondale Public Library. 

She was very involved in Carbondale activities: Business and Professional Women, League of Women Voters, AAUW, Central Carbondale Neighborhood Association (now the Arbor District), First Christian Church (deacon, choir, and office volunteer), Church Women United, 41 Bible study, Carbondale Preservation Commission, and the Evergreen Garden Club. She earned Master Gardner certification, to which her back and front yards were a testimony. She much enjoyed the companionship of her cat, Momma, and was regularly seen walking her dogs along Walnut and Poplar. She occasionally opened her beloved historic home for the neighborhood Christmas tour, and entertained the groups to which she belonged.

Kathy was born July 2, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, to Ellis Neil and Ruby Benedict. They, her brother and sister-in-law, Neil and Nancy, and her companion, Oliver Witte, predeceased her. She is survived by a niece, Bobbie Ponder, in Texas, and a host of local loved ones. Those friends give thanks to the staff at Century for their love and care these last four years, to Residential Hospice for the care she received in her last days, and to those who cared for her at the hospital. 

A memorial service and celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at First Christian Church, Carbondale (306 W. Monroe) on Sunday, March 16 at 1 pm. All are welcome. 

For those who cannot attend the service on Sunday, it will be live streamed by clicking here: Live Stream

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Kathy, visit www.meredithfh.com.