Georgia Mahaffie died on September 27th, 2022 at Linden Court from long-term health issues. She was born in North Platte, NE on October 3rd, 1938 and graduated from North Platte High School in 1957.
Georgia will always be remembered for her sweet, compassionate, and generous spirit. Whenever she saw a need, she did what she could to meet it; wherever she saw sadness, she sought to lift people's spirits. Many would say that she had a gift for making people feel loved and she expressed that sweet love to others until the very end.
In her youth, Georgia was a dancer, actress, honor student, and Color Day Queen. She received many accolades throughout her school years. After graduating from high school, Georgia attended the University of Nebraska. She was a member of Delta Gamma and met her first husband, John Benedict (of Delta Tau Delta), at a sorority/fraternity social event. They were married one year later and had two children, Greg and Katy.
Georgia and John lived in five different states before they settled in Bloomington, MN (where Georgia lived for 28 years). Before long, she was introduced to Bible Study Fellowship, where she enjoyed Christian fellowship, an intensive study of the Bible and a renewed faith that she carried with her throughout the rest of her life.
Georgia was a loving mother and an exceptional grandmother. The crowning blessings of her life were her two granddaughters and three grandsons. She adored them, was devoted to them, and helped care for them (especially when they were small). She was blessed to live close to her family for many years and she made holidays and family gatherings beautiful and special.
Georgia was never at a loss for friends. When she was not helping others in practical ways, she was sharing in their joys or providing comfort and support in their sorrows. She loved to entertain and to travel to tropical destinations with John and their friends, and one of the highlights of her life was traveling to Europe with her best friend, Janet.
Later in life, Georgia moved to Colorado Springs where she worked as a receptionist for Focus on the Family. She loved being part of Focus on the Family and she enjoyed her occupation. While she was living in Colorado Springs, she renewed her friendship with Butch Rasmussen, a childhood classmate. She married Butch, moved back to North Platte, and they were married for approximately 11 years until their divorce in 2012.
Georgia suffered from health issues for 20+ years but we are so thankful that she knew the Lord and is now with Him. He has wiped away every tear and she is finally free of pain and distress, enjoying perfect health and basking in the light and warmth of God's unfailing love.
"As it is written: 'Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the human heart, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.'" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
We love you, Mom, and we will see you soon!
Georgia was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Mahaffie, her mother, Bonnie Mahaffie, and her sister, Barbara Hanich. She is survived by her son, Greg Benedict, her daughter, Katy Thielke, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her family celebrates her life and mourns her passing in private.