Anne (Gaydos) Benda

In loving memory of Anne Gaydos Benda

Anne passed away on February 2, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of her family in O’Fallon, MO. She was born in a small village in Rohovce, Slovakia, on August 18, 1934, and traveled at the age of 2 1/2 with her young mother on the S.S. Europa to America. She lived a life filled with grace, joy, and devotion to those she loved. 

Anne was the beloved wife of Charles J Benda for 66 years and was the heart of her family. She was a devoted mother to her “four roses”: Kathryn (Steve) Powell of Lakeland, FL, Cheryl (Ron) Linz of Gallatin, TN, Lorri (Chris) Brown of Lake St Louis, MO, and Carolyn (Rex) King of Lebanon, TN. 

One of her greatest joys was her role as grandmother to her 11 grandchildren and their spouses and as great-grandmother to her 21 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her brothers, Daniel (Ruth) Gaydos in Charlotte, NC, and Antonín Grecula in Slovakia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles J Benda; her parents, Victor and Anna Gaydos; her brother, Thomas Gaydos, and great-grandson Bryson Dobbs. 

Anne lived life with energy and enthusiasm. Her passion reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved playing the piano and singing in the church choir. She was a talented seamstress with an eye for fashion and dressed effortlessly in style every day. She was an excellent cook, especially with Slovak cuisine, and had a gift for hospitality. She thoroughly enjoyed being a homemaker for her family while still working as a secretary for numerous corporations. 

In her quiet times, she loved reading, writing, embroidering, crocheting, and her time alone with God.

She was an active member of the Stone Church in Chicago, IL, Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Tampa, FL, and Victory Church in Lakeland, FL, for many years. Her faith radiated inside and out, and she was eager to share her faith with everyone she came in contact with. 

Her legacy is one of love, laughter, creativity, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and friends. She will be deeply missed, but forever celebrated in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Abby Senior Health, O’Fallon, MO, and St. Croix Hospice, Saint Peters, MO, for their compassionate care. 

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 10:30–11:00 AM at Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville, MO, followed by a celebration of Anne’s life at 11:00 AM. 

Interment will follow at Our Lady Cemetery, 8701 Orf Road, Lake St. Louis, MO. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to missionaries Steve and Christina Walent or to your favorite charity.

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.