Eva E. Benedict

Eva Erika Benedict

Eva was born February 7, 1927 outside of Berlin, Germany. She lived through WWII and often spoke of the hardships of the Hitler era, the Russian invasion and their family home being burned to the ground. Her parents and dear brother both preceded her in death.

In 1947 she was invited to the United States to become the bride of a US Serviceman, Eugene Hartman, then honorably discharged and living in Utah. She traveled with other “war brides” through Ellis Island, had a brief stay in New York and then on to Utah. They were married August 1, 1947, and made their home in Mt Emmons. Soon their first child, Fletcher, was born and a few years later Fletcher welcomed a little sister, Rebecca. Life was hard in the Uinta Basin, but Eva had a good relationship with her mother-in-law and learned to hunt, fish, cook, ride horses, drive, garden and take great care of her little family.

Eventually the family moved to Murray, Utah, then Pocatello, Idaho. Eva worked in the Sprouse Reitz store for many years. After their divorce, she chose to move to the Chicago, Illinois, area to live near friends. She resided there for 40-plus years, meeting and marrying her wonderful husband, Bob Benedict. They bought a winter retreat in Briny Breezes, Florida and she loved “jumping the waves”. Also during that time, she reconnected with her dear family and friends in Germany. She traveled extensively with them, enjoying Islands of the Caribbean, Italy, the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, England, and many more countries. She loved to travel!

After Bob’s death, and later in 2013, her children encouraged her to move to Boise. She was 86 years old and still in great health. She lived at Affinity, enjoying many friends and activities. At age 95, her children insisted she give up her driver’s license. That was a hard transition; she had always treasured her U.S. freedoms of which driving was a great part. Eva lived her last months in Edgewood Spring Creek, Eagle. The staff was excellent and she enjoyed great care and visiting and playing Rummikub with her friends and table mates.

Eva is survived by her son Fletcher Hartman (Sally), daughter Rebecca Rogers (Thomas), 5 grandchildren: Paul, Matthew, Douglas, Julia and Daniel and their treasured spouses; 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many dear friends in Germany, Utah, Illinois and Idaho.

Remembrances may be made to your favorite charity to honor Eva.

A Celebration of Life for Eva E. Benedict will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Living Stones/Cole Community Church, 8775 Ustick Rd., Boise, Idaho.