CHESTER, Vt. – Judith Benway Mills, 74, a resident of Ninety Six, S.C., and devoted wife of Norman Mills, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at her home
Born on Sept. 5, 1951, in Springfield, Vt., she was the oldest daughter of Bertha Wheatley Benway and the late Ernest Benway, of Chester, Vt. Judi was a 1969 graduate of Chester High School, and later received her associate’s degree in early childhood education. She began her career in banking at Vermont National Bank in Brattleboro, Vt., and eventually retired from Brattleboro Savings and Loan as a mortgage originator. She was a beloved member of the Brattleboro community, making many friends and connections through her banking career and her active participation at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, especially as a member of the folk group. After meeting the love of her life, Judi and her husband relocated to Keene, N.H., where she was an active member of the choir at Saint Bernard Catholic Church. After retirement, Judi and her husband relocated to Greenwood, S.C., and enjoyed meeting many friendly neighbors and building their dream home with a beautiful view of Lake Greenwood.
Judi was devoted to helping others, serving as a hospice volunteer in New Hampshire, and later working at the hospice of the Piedmont Resale Store. She was a voracious reader, and enjoyed keeping her brain sharp with puzzles and games. She was also a talented singer and pianist, and loved sharing those gifts with her family.
Judi was known for her generous spirit, and delighted in being a caretaker. She always said that being a mother and grandmother was her greatest joy in life. As the oldest of the four Benway siblings, Judi was the glue of the family, taking the lead in lovingly caring for their parents as they aged. She was the touchstone for friends and family who needed advice or a listening ear. Her family will forever miss her unique ability to bring comfort with just a few words.
Surviving, in addition to her husband of 33 years, are two daughters Amber Taylor, of Greenwood, S.C., and Bethany Schneider (Eddie), of Apex, N.C.; a sister Cindy Kehoe (Bob), of Windham, Vt.; two brothers Jeff Benway, of Goffstown, N.H., and Stuart Benway, of Chester, Vt.; four grandchildren Olivia Schaffer (Andrew), of Greenwood, S.C., Charlotte Taylor, of Denver, Colo., and Harrison and Bennett Schneider, both of Apex, N.C.; one great-grandson Callen Schaffer; her aunt-in-law and friend Joy Stevenson, of Greenwood, S.C.; along with several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with her cremation, according to her wishes.
Her family will hold a casual open house celebrating Judi’s life on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2-4 p.m., at the Mills Residence, 126 Mitchum Drive, Ninety Six, S.C.
Judi’s ashes will be laid to rest this spring at the Benway family plot in Chester, Vt. Further details will follow at a later date.