Kathleen Naomi Benson, 64, of Wichita, died Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Lincoln Care and Rehabilitation Center in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born on June 2, 1960 in New London, Connecticut, the daughter of Robert Lewis and Thelma Farnum Howard. Kathleen was raised in the East Lyme, Connecticut area where she graduated from high school.

She loved animals, especially her dogs and cats. Kathleen moved to Wichita in July 1990.

Survivors include her daughters Nicole Galinis and Sheridan Bleu Gilliand both of Wichita; her siblings Cheryl Smith of Columbia, Maryland, Michial O. Howard of Las Cruces, N.M., Brian Howard of Watertown, N.Y., Eryne Howard of New London, Conn., Maylene Garrett of Madison Heights, Virginia, Coralie Howard of Ledyard, Conn.

Kathleen loved spending time with her grandchildren William Robert Stapleton, Shawn Robert Stapleton, Conor W. Stapleton, Chanelle Gilliland, and Logan Gilliland.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Patrick C. Howard and Janet G. Howard.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements are with Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.