Christina "Tina" Benko

CHRISTINA “TINA” BENKO (nee Thatcher), age 75. Beloved wife of Richard for 53 years; devoted mother of Tammy Nairus and Tanya Travaglianti (Ken); cherished grandmother of Peyton; dear sister of Tom Thatcher and Mary C. Storer.

Tina, luckily needing a ride to a wedding back in 1968, met her loving husband, Richard. As soulmates they were happily married for over 53 years. They shared many adventures together and traveled when they could. Tina especially loved her trips to Germany, Williamsburg, and man trips to Las Vegas to press her luck. Through the years Tina made many friends, but always remained close to her “friends” group of 60 years and to her longtime neighborhood family. Whether it was lunch, or a special gathering Tina always took the time to be present to those she spent time with. Her special gifts to others were always from the heart, “Tina, where do you find the time?” Would always be said. Her pride and joy are her two daughters, Tammy, and Tanya. She raised her girls with poise and grace. She encompassed everything there was about being a mom, always helping, crafting, cooking their favorite foods, and giving her girls the best memories, even at 3 in the morning. Peyton, her only granddaughter, was her little buddy. Nothing could match those two when they had an idea to do a project, or their weekly shopping trips. Being a grandma gave Tina so much joy while keeping her young at heart and having one more girl to spoil is always the best. In her spare time Tina was an avid reader, loved gardening her many flower beds, always making sure to space the begonias just right. You could always catch her in her favorite chair watching her shows with M&M’s close by. Her time on this earth was short, but her spirit and the memories she gave to us are everlasting. She will live on forever in our hearts.

“And he will raise you up on eagles’ wings

Bear you on the breath on dawn

Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Friday, June 30, 2023 at St. Joseph Church, Strongsville. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends THURSDAY 4-7 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).