Esther Benegas

Esther (Martha) F Benegas, age 85, passed away peacefully in her daughter Melody's home, August 31, 2025. She was surrounded by family who loved her deeply.

She was born on December 26, 1939, to the late Luis and Carmen (Fabela) Rocha in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Esther, who always preferred to be called Martha, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and retired from Mercy Hospital. Over her 25-plus years there, she saw her career transition from the clerical work of data processing to the more challenging tasks of developing the first ever IT department within the facility.

But far more important than work, was her time spent outside the job. Martha was fiercely independent, choosing to live life on her own terms.She loved dancing, traveling around the country, and most especially her family. Planning family outings with her grandchildren, watching a good movie, and visiting with her sons and daughters during family get-togethers were some of her favorite things. She also loved sweet rolls, shopping, and sunlight, and she will be so very, very missed. Our hearts are heavy with this loss, but we find comfort in knowing she suffers no more.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Silvino Benegas, son Tony Benegas, 3 sisters, and 7 brothers.

Martha is survived by her children, Silvino Benegas, Jr. Selena Foley (John), Ricardo Benegas, Sarah Smith, Joanna Hahn (Jason), and Melody Barajas-Sword (Steven Sword), 19 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nehews, and cousins.

Memorial service will be held at 2pm at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home, 1221 N. 16th Street on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. Dinner will follow at the River's Edge Pavilion, 4250 River's Edge Parkway, Council Bluffs, IA. The family will direct memorials.