The husband of a Kansas woman who disappeared on Kaua’i one year ago is offering a reward to anyone who can help locate her. Lillie “Ione” Beden, 68, was visiting the island for the first time when she was last
The husband of a Kansas woman who disappeared on Kaua’i one year ago is offering a reward to anyone who can help locate her.
Lillie “Ione” Beden, 68, was visiting the island for the first time when she was last seen Feb. 7, 2001, walking on the end of Anini Beach. She reportedly was carrying snorkeling gear, wearing a one-piece bathing suit and also wearing a white sun hat with a large brim.
Beden is Caucasian, 5 feet 2 inches and 135 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.
Local authorities using helicopters conducted searches at the time of her disappearance, but she was never found. They believe Beden drowned and was washed out to sea, but her family hasn’t given up hope.
Cecil Beden, her husband of 25 years, returned from Kansas this week in the hope he can get some finality for himself and his family.
“We don’t really know what happened to her. She walked down to the beach with her bathing suit on, but covered with outer clothes. If she went in the water, she would have put her clothing down. I hope to recover her, in any condition,” Beden said.
He said the “main reason” for posting a reward and trying to locate her, even her remains, is “I owe it to her and I would like to get some closure.”
Beden posted the reward (he didn’t disclose the amount) through Crimestoppers, a Kaua’i County Police and Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce program. Tips can be phoned to the police at 241-6787, 241-6739 or 241-6711.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
