Audrey

Benning

Audrey Benning, 92, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of Audrey’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Faith Temple in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A luncheon will follow the service. A private family burial will be held at Hills of Rest Cemetery at a later date.

Audrey was born on February 17, 1934, in Pennsylvania to Melvin and Elizabeth (Jones) Thompson. She grew up in Prospect, Pennsylvania, where she attended school. During high school, Audrey discovered a love for music and excelled in singing and piano recitals. Following high school, Audrey married Duane Jaqua in 1951. Together, they began their family, and Audrey devoted herself to raising and caring for their children. The family eventually moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Once her children were grown, Audrey began working outside the home and held various jobs throughout the years. She worked at Good Samaritan Home and especially enjoyed her work as a medical aide at Sioux Valley Hospital (Sanford) in Sioux Falls. She later transferred to the NICU, where she retired. 

In 2000, Audrey married Roy Benning in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple made their home in Sun City, Arizona. She worked at a recreation center there, making many friends. In 2016, Audrey moved to Urbandale, Iowa, where she remained until her passing.

Audrey was a longtime member of Faith Temple Church in Sioux Falls and faithfully served on many church committees. Her faith and her love for others were important parts of her life. Audrey cherished time spent with her family and found joy in ballroom dancing, singing, playing the piano, and traveling. She also opened her heart and home to countless foster children, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

Those left to cherish Audrey’s loving memory include her children, Roger (Colleen) Jaqua, Tom Jaqua, Liz Zimbelman, Patty Happeny, Julie (Joe Zahn) Marks, and Becky Kleinjan. Grandchildren: Aurora Jaqua, Andrea Reed, Jeremy Jaqua, Regina Erickson, Cassandra Jaqua, Clinton Jaqua, Matt Jaqua, Megan Wilson, Mindy Scheel, Cassie Zimbelman, Cole Zimbelman, Jessie George, Ashley Gossman, Brooke Goff, John Bull, Joseph Marks, Jammie Marks, Zach Boyum, and Dulci Bravo. Also, 28 great-grandchildren; her sister, Catherine Lawley; and many nieces and nephews. Lastly, she cared for several foster children. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Elizabeth Thompson; her husbands, Duane Jaqua and Roy Benning; her sister, Norma Jones; her brother, Melvin Thompson; her daughter, Mary Hoon; her son, Monte Jaqua; and her grandchildren, Sara Hoon and Jason Heinrich’s.

Celebrate Life Iowa has been entrusted with Audrey’s cremation care.