Born on June 12, 1928, to Anton Alfons Kohler and Frida Klara Kohler in Schramberg, Germany, Eva came to the United States as the wife of American serviceman James A. Benson. Eva and Jim ultimately settled in Phoenix where, in 1965, they reunited with friends Anna and Oscar Murphy, whom they had met while stationed in Germany. Eva was quickly incorporated into the Murphy family where she was affectionately known and loved as “Auntie Eva.”
Eva spent the bulk of her work life at Sears, Roebuck & Co., proudly advancing into then male-dominated management positions. She enjoyed her work and created many life-long friendships along the way.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by nieces Helga Detroisien, Annemarie Lioust and Brigitte LeJean, and by nieces through marriage Martine Schlossar and Veronique Schlossar, all of whom reside in France. Eva will also be dearly missed by her “Phoenix family,” David, Beth, Katie, and Sarah Murphy as well as Chuck, Deb, and Nicole Richards.
