Bennye Sue Savala, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Red Oak, Iowa, on October 16, 2026. She was born on September 2, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Mary Migneault and Benjamin Gunn. She was raised by her grandmother, Mary Monaco, in Des Moines.

Bennye married Jon Gustafson in 1964, and together they welcomed three children: Jeff, Joel, and Joni. In 1990, she married Richard Savala, bringing two families together and creating a large, blended family filled with love and connection. Bennye and Rich treasured their years together until his passing on August 23, 2021.

Throughout her life, Bennye worked in several positions, including at Eveready and Good Samaritan. She concluded her working career at the Clarinda Correctional Facility, where she remained for 33 years until her retirement in 2018. Retirement gave her more time to enjoy the people and family who meant the most to her. Bennye found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved shopping, tending to her garden, crafting, and the color red. She also cherished spending time with her beloved pets, most recently her companion, Murphy, who brought her comfort and companionship. Bennye enjoyed making and sharing her favorite foods, including her beloved mayonnaise cake. Some of her most treasured memories were made in the kitchen alongside her grandchildren, making lasagna and baking sugar cookies together. Those special times were filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. Whether she was working on a craft, tending her garden, spending time with her pets, or sharing homemade treats with her family, Bennye created lasting memories and traditions that her loved ones will carry in their hearts for generations to come. Bennye was an avid Elvis Presley fan. Above all, Bennye cherished her family. The bonds she helped build, the traditions she passed down, and the love she shared are among the greatest gifts she leaves behind. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many loved ones whose lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories of her warmth, the joy she found in family, and the love she gave so freely will remain forever.

Bennye was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Migneault and Benjamin Gunn; her husband, Richard Savala; her sister, Geneva Bennett; her grandson, Mathew Gustafson; and her nephew, Eric Christians

She is survived by her three children: Jeff (Teresa Snyder) Gustafson of Clarinda, Iowa; Joel Gustafson of Atlantic, Iowa; and Joni Gustafson of Essex, Iowa. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Dylan (Amanda Dose) of Carter Lake, Iowa; Andrew (Carrie) Gustafson of Louisville, Kentucky; Michael Gustafson of Virginia; Drucella (Garrett Folsom) Gustafson of Falls City, Nebraska; Diamond (Tanner) Erickson of Essex, Iowa; Hannah Gustafson (William Goering) of Nebraska City, Nebraska; and Chloe Gustafson, Noah Gustafson, and Phoebe Gustafson, all of Clarinda, Iowa. Her legacy continues through her eight great-grandchildren: Brentlee, Jaedon, Michael, Bryar, Kit, Evelyn, Liam, and Susannah, with another great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bennye will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will live on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, the laughter shared around the kitchen, the crafts she enjoyed, the love she shared with her beloved pets, and the countless moments that made her life so special.

Her love remains, her memories endure, and her family will carry her in their hearts always.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the First Christian Church, Red Oak, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of Bennye’s arrangements and serving her family.