Kathleen Benegar

V. Kathleen “Kathi” Benegar passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, just one week before her 92nd birthday. Born on July 23, 1934, in Jerome, Idaho, Kathi lived a remarkable life defined by compassion, determination, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Throughout her

life, she earned the admiration of everyone who knew her through her kindness, strength of character, and extraordinary work ethic.

Raised in northern Idaho, Kathi graduated from Jerome High School and then proceeded to attend Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she graduated as a

Registered Nurse. She later made her home in Boulder, Colorado, where she enjoyed an accomplished nursing career at Boulder Community Hospital. She served as Head Nurse of Labor & Delivery before later becoming Head Nurse of the Intensive Care Unit. Respected by physicians, colleagues, and patients alike, she was known for her humor, calm leadership, exceptional clinical skills, and steadfast commitment to providing the highest level of care.

After more than 25 years in nursing, Kathi embraced a new challenge. She returned to school at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor

of Arts in Political Science and Sociology. She then began a successful second career as a paralegal with the prestigious law firm Holland & Hart in downtown Denver, specializing in tort

litigation. Her intelligence, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication quickly made her an invaluable member of the firm.

While her professional accomplishments were many, Kathi considered raising her family to be her life’s greatest achievement. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for and

raise her three sons on her own— Gareth Mynatt, Dirk Mynatt, and Derek Mynatt. Through determination, sacrifice, and unconditional love, she created a home filled with encouragement, resilience, and opportunity. She later welcomed her daughter-in-law, RaDean

Mynatt, into the family and found immense joy in watching her family grow through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Holidays, birthdays, family gatherings, and even ordinary days together became treasured memories that she held close to her heart.

Kathi possessed a remarkable range of talents and interests. She was an accomplished seamstress whose skills extended to knitting, embroidery, quilting, and countless other creative pursuits. She found great happiness in reading and gardening, especially tending to her beloved orchids, and she shared her home and heart with many cherished pets throughout her life. In her later years, her faithful Standard Poodle, Addé, was a constant and loving

companion. She was also an avid athlete and lifelong learner. Whether playing tennis, golfing, cycling, or pursuing equestrian sports—including hunter/jumper competition—Kathi approached every endeavor with enthusiasm and determination. A passionate lover of classical music and opera, her favorite remained Puccini’s La Bohème, a work she enjoyed throughout her life.

Kathi also shared many wonderful years traveling throughout the world with her second husband, Dr. Joseph Cowgill of Boulder, Colorado. Together they explored new places, cultures, and experiences that enriched an already full and adventurous life.

Kathi is survived by her sons, Gareth Mynatt, Dirk Mynatt, and Derek Mynatt; her daughter-in-law RaDean Mynatt; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and countless friends

and colleagues whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Conrad Benegar and Bessie Ann Pettit Benegar (Mom and Pop); her brothers, Conrad Ray Benegar and Roger Allen Benegar; her sisters, Connie Ann Benegar, Edith Alene Benegar, and Vada Lorene Elizabeth Benegar; her first husband, Richard Pryor Mynatt; and her second husband, Dr. Joseph Cowgill.

Kathi’s legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply, the patients whose lives she touched with compassionate care, the colleagues she inspired through her professionalism, and the

many friends fortunate enough to know her. Her life was one of service, perseverance, grace, and quiet strength. She will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in

the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

"I know that the ones who love us will miss us." -- Keanu Reeves