Ardys Dee Benham

Ardys Dee (“DeDe”) Benham, age 78, of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025. She was born on September 18, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Warren Fulton Johnson and Betze Muriel Creech. DeDe spent her childhood in Iowa and later attended the University of Iowa, where she was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority, and one of the first female graduates from the school of business.

On November 28, 1969, DeDe married the love of her life, Robert Miles (“Bob”) Benham, in Sioux City, Iowa. They had two children together, Mike & Lisa. DeDe put her family above all else & was a fantastic mom and wife. Being a great mother to the children she and Bob lovingly cared for is what she was most proud of and will most be remembered for. Their journey together as a family took them to several places before settling in Kansas City, where DeDe dedicated herself to serving her community. Most notably, she played a key role in negotiating the purchase of a new facility for The Children’s Place and served as President of the Metropolitan Child Abuse Network for 16 years. In 1991, DeDe and Bob moved to Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, where she continued her commitment to service and lifelong learning. DeDe was a member of the Junior League in both Kansas City and Oklahoma City and an active participant in the Tuesday Study Club. She found great joy in playing bridge at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club and cherished the friendships she built there. DeDe co-owned Balliets with her husband Bob. DeDe loved her buying trips to New York City and Dallas with her husband and her daughter, Lisa. DeDe was a gifted apparel buyer and loved the social life she and Bob enjoyed for several decades.

Some things that brought DeDe joy throughout her life include, summers at Lake Okoboji, Iowa, with her friends and family, water-skiing, taking her grandkids to art classes and the candy store, holiday parties, getting dressed up in beautiful clothes, a great meal in NYC, the Jersey Shore, making chocolate cake for Mike, chocolate chip cookies for Bob and blonde brownies for Lisa, traveling with Bob, driving her BMW stick shift, visiting museums, taking care of orchids and her dogs.

DeDe is survived by her beloved husband, Bob; her son, Michael (Mike) Benham (and his wife Julie) of Oklahoma City; and her daughter, Elizabeth (Lisa) Shinn of Edmond. She also leaves behind her brother, Jerry Johnson (and his wife Barbara) of Manhattan Beach, California; five adored grandchildren Teddy Shinn, Everett Shinn, Avery Shinn, Taylor Ross, and Rachael Ross; as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends who were touched by her kindness and generosity. DeDe’s legacy of service, compassion, and love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Ardy's life will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Care Center, 1405 Ashton Place, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73117.

https://carecenter-okc.org/support/donate