Ludmilla Iris Benins
Ludmilla Iris Benins passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at Mapleview Country Villa in Chardon, Ohio, at the age of 94.
Millie, as her friends and family lovingly called her, was born in Germany on May 2, 1932.
After coming to the United States in the 1950s, Millie worked hard to obtain her U.S. citizenship, of which she was very proud. She took great interest in U.S. history and politics and very much enjoyed watching debates, speeches, engaging in political conversation and discussing historical events.
Millie held a great love of nature, fashion, jewelry and home decor, all of which she showcased throughout her many gardens, undeniable sense of fashion, jewelry collection and her never ending updating of the interior design of the home she and Peteris built together.
Christmas was a very special season for Millie, decorating her house top to bottom, hosting delicious and elaborate dinners, and giving gifts to friends and family.
She will always be remembered for her incredible life story, resilience and drive to live her life unapologetically and to the absolute fullest.
She very much enjoyed watching educational programs about wildlife while snuggling her baby, Sparky, one of her many Pomeranians over the years, and gifting much of her jewelry to her granddaughters and great-granddaughters while making sure they knew the story behind each piece.
Millie is survived by her husband of 66 years, Peteris Benins, of Huntsburg Township, Ohio; her son, James (Dolly) Benins, of Mount Vernon, Ohio; grandchildren, Amanda (Ben) Potter, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Julia (Joe) Pawlowski, of Akron, Ohio, and Stacey (Nate) Thomas, of Gambier, Ohio; as well as three great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters all of whom inherited her spice, tenacity and passionate resolve to live life to the fullest.
To quote a story from her youth, “sometimes you just need to climb out a window and go dancing.”
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12-12:45 p.m. on June 1, 2026, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. A 1 p.m. graveside service will follow at Chardon Municipal Cemetery, Park Avenue, Chardon.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
