Priscilla Ann (Engel) Benignus was born in Herington, Kansas on October 9, 1931, the daughter of Oscar and Hortense (Ehrsam) Engel and was raised in Enterprise, KS. She graduated from Kansas State University with a teaching certificate and taught at Simpson, Kansas. On May 25, 1952 she married Robert M. Benignus. They lived in Alton, KS for several years before moving to Hoisington in 1955. Robert preceded her in death on February 6, 2009. While raising her family, Priscilla substitute taught in Hoisington and then worked for the Central Kansas Girl Scout Council, training and supporting Girl Scout leaders in Barton and surrounding counties. Priscilla took coursework during two summers at the University of Wyoming and through Barton County Community College, earning her bachelors degree in accounting from Fort Hays State University. She then worked in the accounting departments at a number of firms in the area before formally retiring. Priscilla was an avid reader, a skilled baker, and possessed an extensive vocabulary developed from her love of word puzzles and other intellectual pursuits. Mrs. Benignus also enjoyed painting, playing bridge and other card games, and outdoor activities including hunting and fishing with her husband in her younger years. Mrs. Benignus was a strong supporter of many organizations, particularly those promoting environmental, historical, humanitarian, and health-related issues. She was a member of Hoisington First United Methodist Church, a patron member of the Heritage Center of the Dickinson County Historical Society, Delta Delta Delta sorority, the order of Eastern Star, Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation and a member of the Smithsonian Institute. Priscilla died in Hoisington, KS on Dec. 8, 2011. Survivors include three daughters: Elsbeth (Beth) Locke and her husband Alan of Johannesburg, South Africa, Nancy Benignus of the Bronx, NY and Sara Benignus of San Diego; two grandchildren Melissa Ann and Benjamin Alan Locke, South Africa; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Rosemary McGee. Visitation will be at the Nicholson Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington, KS on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 6 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church. Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Hoisington, KS at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. Burial will be Saturday, 1:00 pm at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Enterprise, Kansas handled by Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home, Abilene, KS.. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Hoisington Public Library or The Nature Conservancy of Kansas in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544