Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Bennie Faye (Payne) Flesher passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Arbor Lane Assisted Living in Burnsville, MN. She was known for her cheerful attitude no matter what life brought and a joyful heart that warmed those around her.

Born on November 24, 1937, in Kilgore, Texas, Bennie was the first child of Benjamin and Faye Payne, and her unique name was derived from her father's name. The arrival of a baby brother nine years later created a lifelong special bond. Bennie spent her first sixteen years as a true Southern girl before moving north to Alberta, Canada. There, she joined her high school curling team, where her Southern accent was adored.

She attended the University of Montana in Missoula, graduating with a degree in Business. Bennie married Bob Howell, and during their ten years of marriage, they had three children: Kathy, Jenny, and Charlie. In 1972, she married Jack Flesher, welcoming his six wonderful children into her life: Lee, Renee, Clark, Michele, Cheri, and John. Thus, the Flesher/Howell clan was created, bonded by the love and togetherness of family.

During her early years as a homemaker in Hopkins, MN, Bennie was nominated as Mrs. Jaycee and sat on the planning committee for the Hopkins Raspberry Festival. She was a devoted mother who selflessly cared for her family, cooking meals for eleven and raising children. She was also active in Junior League, volunteering countless hours. An accomplished seamstress, Bennie made two wedding gowns for her daughters and undertook a remarkable feat by sewing a large tent for nine people to use on a Boundary Waters camping trip. She also loved hosting large Christmas parties and entertaining in her home.

Bennie later used her business degree to work in the marketing department at Daig Corporation. Years later, she joined her husband in his accounting business. Upon Jack's retirement, they moved to Finland, MN, where Bennie became a realtor. Seeking warmer weather, they later moved to Naples, FL, living there for 22 years. Bennie continued her career in real estate and enjoyed connecting with people through her work.

In 2012, Bennie returned to Minnesota, living at Ridge Point Senior Living in Burnsville. She made wonderful friends, embraced new adventures, and discovered a hidden talent for drawing and painting. Bennie created charming cards from her drawings and sold them, delighting in her creativity. She and Jack were back near family, regularly enjoying and being part of their children's lives.

Bennie is survived by her eight children: Lee (Jennifer) Flesher, Renee (Lee) Klingspon, Michele Arnoldy, Cheri (Mike) Marti, Kathy (Ralph) Tenney, Jenny (Jay) Seeger, John (Kristi) Flesher, and Charlie (Judi) Howell. She leaves behind 21 cherished grandchildren and 23 beloved great-grandchildren, as well as her niece, Carter (Matt) Milner, and nephew, CK (Serena) Payne.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Faye Payne; her husband of 49 years, Jack Flesher; her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Cheryl Payne; her son, Clark Flesher; her grandson, Matthew Gates, and her son-in-law, Chris Arnoldy..

Donations in Bennie's honor may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

A celebration of Bennie's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, preceded by a viewing at 9:30 a.m. at Eden Prairie Assembly of God, 16591 Duck Lake Trail, Eden Prairie, MN. A luncheon will follow at the church.