Kelly Jo (Kester) Benzel

May 21, 1974 – August 10, 2026

Kelly Jo (Kester) Benzel of East Otto passed away peacefully on 10th, August 2026 at Buffalo Hospice Center at the age of 52 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kelly was born on May 21, 1974, in Buffalo, daughter of Linda (Kester) Hamblin. She worked at the Offices for People With Developmental Disabilities since 2016 as a Human Resources Specialist. Prior to OPWDD she worked at Wal-Mart in Springville for 22 years. She was truly grateful to have met so many lifelong friends at both places of employment. Many of which were a constant support to her, continuing to make time to reach out and visit through this battle.

Kelly grew up in West Valley, NY and went to West Valley Central School. It was a small town, a small school, but one filled with so many great people. Almost weekly time has been spent visiting or talking with classmates and these friends are special. To steal a phrase from one of those friends, these are some of Kelly’s most favorite humans.

Kelly loved supporting her children in all they do. She remains so proud of the adults they have become. Through the years with school activities, sporting events, work and life. Kelly was part of the CLV Post Prom Committee and enjoyed planning, coordinating and attending the CLV Post Prom Event that was started in 2019. She enjoyed working with the CLV school district as well as the special parents that participated and dedicated their time over the years. Kelly enjoyed coordinating her families VanDevort Family reunion for the last 20+ years which would bring family together to enjoy time, laughter, memories, fishponds, skits and desserts… there were always desserts. She also enjoyed watching Buffalo sports, especially the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Bandits.

Kelly is survived by her Mother, Linda Jane Hamblin, her Grandmother, Jane Handforth Kester, and her loving and supportive husband, of 27 years, Nathan Robert Benzel. Also, their children Samantha Harley-Jane Benzel, Matthew Robert Benzel (Brenna) and Kadie Cynthia-Lin Benzel. Her siblings Gregory (Amy) Ciszak , Erin (Anthony) Cole, Troy Hamblin, Cory Thompson, Nikomi Thompson, Andrew (Angela) Benzel, Michael (Meg) Benzel. She also leaves behind seven nieces and nephews Lena, Wesley, AJ, Christian, Nora, Axel, Adler. As well as many other Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and so many additional relatives and lifelong friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by her grandfather Harland Kester.

A private burial will be scheduled at a later date and time. To celebrate her life, family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on a further date. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CLV Post Prom Committee or Roswell Cancer Institute.

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