Beneti Bell Schaugaard January 3, 1940 ~ April 10, 2024

Beneti Bell Schaugaard, a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, was reunited with many loved ones on the other side of the veil on April 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on January 3, 1940, in Salina, UT, to Merrill and Geneta Bell, both of whom preceded her in death, Beneti’s life was a tapestry of love, service, and creativity.
Beneti’s early years were spent in the small farming community of Greenwich, UT, where she developed strong values of integrity and hard work that would define her life.
She had to take a bus to Richfield for school starting in 10th grade and graduated top of her class, excelling in math and bookkeeping.
Beneti married Gaylen Schaugaard, her school sweetheart whom she had known for as long as she could remember, and were sealed in the Manti temple.
Together, they wove a life filled with love and happiness. They were blessed with a beautiful family, including their sons, Craig (Rebecca) and David (Dixie), and daughters, LeiAnn (Matthew) Shepherd and Jodi (Kendall) Turner.
Her legacy further blossomed with 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, with four more on the way. Sadly, she is preceded in death by one grandson.
Beneti worked in the school lunch program at Monticello High School and Monticello Elementary School, where she rose to the role of lunchroom manager.
Known for her warmth and kindness, she formed lasting bonds with the women she worked with and loved getting to know the countless children who passed through her line daily.
An exceptional seamstress and quilter, Beneti’s hands were rarely still. She made beautiful quilts, which won grand prize ribbons at the county fair. Her children and grandchildren cherish the hand-made quilts that she made for each of them.
She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She designed and sewed her daughters’ wedding dresses, blessing dresses for her granddaughters, and little tuxedos for her grandsons. 
Her culinary skills were equally renowned, with her sweet rolls, dinner rolls, and kolaches becoming the stuff of family legend. Her kitchen was a place of gathering, where the aroma of her cooking was a prelude to the joy of togetherness.
Beneti’s devotion to her faith was unwavering. She served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. 
Her first calling after moving to Monticello was the YW camp director. She also served in the Primary, Relief Society, and Scouts. Later, she served with Gaylen as the camp host at Camp Blue Mountain. 
She found joy and purpose in her service at the Monticello, Utah Temple, where she dedicated ten years of her life. Her commitment to her faith was an inspiration to many, and she was deeply disappointed when she had to step away from her temple duties due to health problems.
The words loving, kind, and generous only begin to describe Beneti. She embodied these virtues in every aspect of her life, from how she raised her family to her interactions with friends and strangers.
Her kindness was a gentle force that uplifted those around her, and her generosity knew no bounds.
Beneti is survived by her adoring husband Gaylen; her loving children and their spouses; siblings Merilyn Hugentober, Verl Bell, Janet Gleave, and Susan Bender; and a lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry her spirit forward.
As we bid farewell to Beneti Bell Schaugaard, we celebrate a life rich in love and service. Her memory will be cherished, and her presence sorely missed. The warmth of her spirit will continue to embrace us, much like the quilts she crafted with such care.
Beneti’s life was a beautiful patchwork of moments and memories stitched together by the love she gave and the love she received. May she rest in peace in the knowledge that her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Zion’s Way Home Health and Hospice for the loving care given to Beneti in the last months of her life. They also want to thank the Monticello 4th Ward and the community of Monticello for their compassion and service.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monticello North Chapel, Friday April 19, beginning at 2 p.m. with a viewing before starting at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The funeral services can be viewed at https://streamutah.live/funerals .
Interment in the Koosharem City Cemetry at 2 p.m. on April 20.