JoAnn (Tichota) Benash, 87, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on April 24, 2023. She was born on January 16, 1936, in West Point, Nebraska, to Joe and Catherine (Walter) Tichota. She married Delbert “Ray” Benash on July 27, 1954, in Beemer, Nebraska.
JoAnn worked in Food Services at Lincoln Public Schools, starting at Whittier Jr. High School (1965) and ending at Fredstrom Elementary School (2002). She also worked at Valentino’s Restaurant for many years.
Family members include: daughters, Cindy DeRyke; Leslie (Ted) Bliss; and Barbara (Ron) Born; son-in-law, Keith Kohel, all of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren, Joseph DeRyke (fiancé, Ashley Amstutz), Orlando, FL, Kelsey (Ben) Rieker, Mathew Bliss, Cassandra Born, Ryan (Stephaine) Kohel, and Holly Kohel, all of Lincoln, NE. Great-grandchildren, Landon Bliss, Bryson Rieker, Veronica Born, Owen Kohel, and Mason Kohel, all of Lincoln, NE. Brother, LeRoy (Phyliss) Tichota; sister, Debbie (Lowell) Nolting. Sisters-in-law: Ida Freouf, Mapleton, OR; Mary Moore and Joyce (Ed) Ferguson, Florence, OR; brothers-in-law: Sidney Benash, Mapleton, OR, and Gene (Cheryl) Benash, Spring, TX. She also had many nieces and nephews.
Honorary family members: Irvene Group, Sylvia, Doug, Tyson Higel, and Tom Miller.
Preceded in death: husband, Delbert Benash; daughter, Pamela (Keith) Kohel; parents: Joe and Catherine Tichota, Beemer, NE; brothers, Lambert Tichota, Joplin, MO, and Clarence Tichota, Beemer, NE; sister, Kathleen (Tichota) Downey, Lincoln, NE; sister-in-law, JoAnn (Wagner) Tichota; brothers-in-law, Wayne Benash, Gothenburg, NE; and Edward Benash, Flagstaff, AZ.
Memorial service: 2:30 pm Friday, April 28, 2023, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St. Prior inurnment at 1:00 pm, Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6800 S. 14th St. Meet at gate #2.
Services
Inurnment
1:00 pm CST
Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery
Meet at gate #2, 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE
Memorial Service
2:30 pm CST
Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel
4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Share a Memory or Condolence
I am so blessed that I was able to know and care for JoAnn at Tabitha. She was always so kind, funny, loved her sweets, and always talked about how much she loved her family. My prayers are with your whole family during this difficult time.
– Ally Heisler
Leslie and family I remember your mom she was such a sweet, kind loving mom. My condolences to you all at this time. May the Lord give you comfort.
– Rhonda Dormer Shipe
I was so blessed to have worked where she lived for almost two years of my life. She was so kind and caring and she was so smart too. Always had a smile and knew how to make you laugh. She will be missed, but I know she’s happy with her husband, Delbert, now.
– Troy Fuehrer
Obituaries & Services
We’re here
Grief Support
We understand that grieving doesn’t end after the service. We offer Aftercare for grief support as you process and heal from your loss.