Lauren Kaye Benitez was born January 14, 1999, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Anthony and Jennifer Benitez. Lauren died April 4, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas.
Lauren moved from the Chicago area to Lawrence at age 6. She attended Langston Hughes Elementary, Southwest Middle School and Lawrence High School, where she graduated in 2017 and earned honor roll recognition.
Lauren grew up with dreams of working in healthcare and earning a nursing degree. She loved animals and played softball throughout her childhood and into her teens. She also enjoyed drawing, cooking, music and vacationing in Florida. Those who spent time with Lauren always looked forward to seeing the colors she had chosen for her hair and nails and to hear about her newest favorite bands – usually heavy metal and rock. Like the owl tattooed on her arm, Lauren observed and listened much more than she spoke.
Lauren loved family gatherings, especially events filled with food. She was a loving big sister to Eric and Maleah, and she had a very close and special relationship with her grandma Linda Marie Benitez, who died in 2017.
Lauren became a mother to her beautiful daughter, Mia, in January 2023. As an at-home mom, Lauren spent as much time as possible with Mia. She loved sharing photos and news about her daughter’s developmental milestones with family members. Lauren was a proud mom.
Throughout her life, Lauren demonstrated a talent for taking care of others. At the time of her death, Lauren worked as a certified nursing assistant at Neuvant House on weekends, where she helped provide memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her coworkers described Lauren as a quiet person who was very nice, a hard worker, and a team player. Lauren’s coworkers and the residents she cared for enjoyed the gifts she shared. Previously Lauren had worked at Pioneer Ridge and Brandon Woods.
Lauren will forever be loved by her family members and friends. Her kind and gentle presence will be missed during every family event and holiday and every day in between.
Lauren was cremated. Family members will hold a private memorial service.
Graveside inurnment will take place at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1600 Oak Hill Ave., Lawrence.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Lauren’s name to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Benitez Family – Prayers and sincere sympathies at this most difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember her happy face and smile. May she rest in peace
Tony and family,
Kevin and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may you treasure your many memories.
I had the pleasure of working with Lauren at Brandon woods. Her light and spirit will definitely be missed.
I am very sorry to hear of Lauren’s passing. I actually was just thinking of her the other day and fondly looking back on my time coaching her in softball. She was quiet but observant with her own unique style. I am not at all surprised to hear she devoted her time to caring for others. Tony and family–praying for you all during this difficult time.
My heart aches for you during this tragic loss. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Lauren had a big heart who cared for others around her. Lauren was part of my dad’s brother’s family. It is truly very sad to hear. Praying for the Benitez family.
She was great to work with, and very helpful.. you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Lauren was my daughter n law, we miss her everyday, there are so many things I could say but she loved her daughter very much and as grandma I am and will make sure she know her mother loved her very much. Prayers are with her dad and family members of a young woman who we lost way to soon.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my prayers.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest sympathies.