Donna Benda, 76

Donna Benda, 76, a retired Libby schoolteacher, died Nov. 11, 2020, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. Born Nov. 16, 1943, at Pocatello, Idaho, to Louis Koppen and Leota Lierman Koppen, she was raised and educated in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Spokane, Wash., graduating from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. She attended North Idaho College and then the University of Idaho, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

She married Bruce Benda in 1965. They came to Libby in 1966 where she taught in the grade school of Libby School District 4 and St. John Lutheran School, later returning to the Libby Public Schools District until retiring from teaching in 1988. She later worked at Pamida for a period of time as well.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, in 2013; her parents; and a brother and sister.

She had been an active member of Christ Lutheran Church, participating in many church activities. Donna enjoyed playing the piano, read voraciously and was a huge fan of Laurel and Hardy.

She is survived by her sons, Robert “Rob” Benda and Michael “Mike” Benda, both of Libby.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a service will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories may be shared online by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.