Benice Christine Muller- Cody, 78, a longtime Lewis County resident, passed away at the home of her sister, Kathleen, in Pe Ell, Washington on Sept. 7, 2022.
She was born Aug. 2, 1944, to Bennie and Christine (Buergler) Muller in Chehalis, Washington. Benice was a graduate of Pe Ell High School, class of 1962. She was employed by the state of Washington doing a variety of jobs, while attending classes at Centralia College at night. On June 29, 1968, she married Jerald Cody. They were married for eight years, until his death in January of 1977. Following his death, she attended and graduated from Fort Steilacoom Community College with an associate’s degree in June of 1979. Next, Benice went to Western Washington University in Bellingham, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in June of 1981. After graduation, she worked for 20 years at Naselle Youth Camp as a counselor. Benice retired from the state of Washington in May 2000, with over 30 years of service.
Benice enjoyed traveling with her sister, Kathleen, all over the Oregon coast. Their travels most often involved finding the nearest casino to unleash the power of Benice’s good luck. Another passion of Benice’s was collecting teddy bears to display in her home. In her 78 years, with the help of family and friends, she managed to collect about 700 bears. She was also an avid reader of periodicals and newspapers. She enjoyed everything from the Wall Street Journal to the New York Times, as well as several local publications. Benice loved sporting events, whether it be the local high school action of her great-nieces and nephews, or the TV coverage of professional or college action. March Madness was a very enjoyable time for her.
Preceding her in death were her parents Bennie and Christine Muller, husband Jerald Cody, and brother Carl Muller.
Survivors include her sister Kathleen Krafczyk, of Pe Ell; sister-in-law Linda Amondson- Muller, of Phoenix, Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews who include Janet (Keith), Michael (Tonya), Anneliese, Carl Joe, Katrina, John and Tyleigh (Joe); great-nieces and nephews Ashley (Scott), Tyler (Rachel), Ryan, Megan, Joseph, Matthew, Ellianne, Lilly, Eva, and Saoirse; and special great-great-niece, who she looked forward to her daily visits, Claire.
Interment will be under the direction of Deacon Loren Lane at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, behind Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pe Ell, with a luncheon to follow at the VFW Hall in Pe Ell.
flIn lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Lewis County Fire District 11, P.O. Box 308, Pe Ell, Washington, 98572 or to the Pe Ell Booster Club, P.O. Box 368, Pe Ell, Washington, 98572.
