Connie Dee Benning

Connie Benning’s Obituary

Connie Dee Benning was born in Miller, South Dakota, on October, 16, 1948. She was the daughter and only child of Roger Ledell Benning and Orvene Zora Benning. Connie spent her childhood in Miller, South Dakota, later the family moved to Kansas. She attended Topeka West High School, in Topeka, Kansas, where she graduated in 1966. In 1970 Connie received her undergraduate degree at Washburn University, and in 1973 she was awarded her master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Kansas . She met Mat Culberson Guinn in Houston in 1989 and for more than 33 years, Connie was a wonderful friend and loving wife to Mat and she will be missed beyond words.

In 1974 Connie began her career teaching mathematics to middle school children in Kansas City. She later became an Executive Director in Major Corporate Sales with AT&T. Connie was with AT&T for many years and in her work, she played a major role in establishing the video teleconferencing industry.

Connie was a gifted canvas oil painter of realistic art, and a student of Efim Frumin, a Russian/American master artist. She had a passion for creating true works of art. Connie was also a horticulturalist and enjoyed gardening.

In retirement, Connie and Mat joined BraeBurn Country Club in 2007, where Connie was very active in golf, the Ladies Association, and Bridge Club. Connie and Mat made many friends through their association with the club, as well as friends throughout the Houston area, and more specifically near their home in Bellaire. Connie’s relationship with her loving and wonderful friend Cynthia Harris Hillman, helped shape her life for over 58 years. This friendship also helped form a bond between Cynthia's husband, Todd, and Mat. Connie and Mat also expanded their livelihood to the country, near Crockett, deep in East Texas, where they enjoyed the ranch life and relaxation.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Orvene Benning, father-in-law Royce D. Guinn, Sr. and mother-in-law Dora Hudson Guinn, uncle John and aunt Dolores Deardorff, brother-in-law Royce D. Guinn, Jr., and brother-in-law Robert Strafford Taylor. She is survived by her loving husband Mat C. Guinn, sister-in-law Gwendolyn  Guinn Taylor (decedent Robert), nephew Strafford Guinn Taylor, sister-in-law Tessie Guinn (decedent Royce), their children William Mathew Guinn, Trina M. Guinn, and Eleana Brazle, uncle Dwight and aunt Barbara Deardorff, and their children Gary Deardorff, Diane Harschorn (Tim), and Paula Studebaker (James).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday February 15, 2023 at Neal Funeral Home from 1:30pm- 2:30pm, Service will begin at 2:30pm.

All services were handled under the trusted care of Neal Funeral Home