George Taft Benson, Jr

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWC7-YH4
• Census: 1880, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
• Initiatory (LDS): 19 Oct 1898, LOGAN
• Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States

George married Sarah Sophia Dunkley on 19 Oct 1898 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Sarah (daughter of Joseph Dunkley and Margaret Wright) was born on 29 Jun 1878 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 1 Jun 1933 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 4 Jun 1933 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Clara Maria Danielsen on 13 Jun 1934 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Clara (daughter of Herman Hans Danielsen and Clara Jemima Kerr) was born on 10 Feb 1892 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 20 Oct 1958; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCC-C2X
• Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States
• Initiatory (LDS): 14 Jul 1921, LOGAN

Notes:

13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He was an American farmer, government official, and religious leader w h o served as the 15th United States Secretary of Agriculture during bot h p residential terms of Dwight D. Eisenhower and as the 13th president o f Th e Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 198 5 unti l his death in 1994.

Born on a farm in Whitney, Idaho, Benson was the oldest of eleven childr e n. He was the great-grandson of Ezra T. Benson, who was appointed by Br ig ham Young to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1846 . Wh en he was 12 years old, his father was called as a missionary to th e midw estern United States, leaving his expectant mother alone with seve n child ren. Benson took much of the responsibility for running the famil y farm a nd in the words of his sister, "He took the place of father fo r nearly tw o years." Benson began his academic career at Utah State Agri cultural Col lege (USAC, modern Utah State University), where he first me t his futur e wife, Flora Smith Amussen. Benson alternated quarters at US AC and worke d on the family farm.

Benson served an LDS Church mission in Britain from 1921 to 1923. It w a s while serving as a missionary, particularly an experience in Sheffiel d , that caused Benson to realize how central the Book of Mormon was to t h e message of Mormonism and in converting people to it. Due to local ant ag onism and threats of violence, LDS Church leaders sent apostle David O . M cKay to personally oversee the mission. McKay was impressed with Bens on a nd appointed him as president of the Newcastle Conference.

After his mission, Benson studied at Brigham Young University and finish e d his bachelor's degree there in 1926. That year he married Flora Smit h A mussen, shortly after her return from a mission in Hawaii. They had s ix c hildren together. Benson received a master of science degree in agri cultu ral economics in 1927 from Iowa State University. Several years lat er, h e did preliminary work on a doctorate at the University of Californ ia a t Berkeley, but never completed it.

Just after receiving his master's degree, Benson returned to Whitney t o r un the family farm. He later became the county agriculture extensio n agen t for Oneida County, Idaho. He later was promoted to the superviso r of al l county agents and moved to Boise in 1930. Benson encouraged cro p rotati on, improved grains, fertilizers, pest controls, and establishme nt of far mer's cooperatives to market farm commodities.

While in Boise, Benson also worked in the central state extension offi c e connected with the University of Idaho Extension Service. He also fou nd ed a farmers cooperative. Benson was superintendent of the Boise Stak e Yo ung Men's Mutual Improvement Association and later a counselor in th e sta ke presidency. Benson was a critic of national agricultural policie s impl emented in the 1930s under Franklin D. Roosevelt. In particular, h e objec ted to farm subsidies, and efforts by the Agricultural Adjustmen t Adminis tration to raise prices by paying farmers to destroy crops an d kill lives tock.

In 1939, he became president of the Boise Idaho Stake. Later that year , h e moved to Washington, D.C., to become Executive Secretary of the Nat iona l Council of Farmer Cooperatives, overseeing around five thousand fa rm co operatives which represented two million farmers throughout the cou ntry.

Benson became the first president of a new church stake in Washington, D . C.

Ezra married Flora Smith Amussen on 10 Sep 1926 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Flora (daughter of Carl Christian Amussen and Barbara McIsaac Smith) was born on 1 Jul 1901 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was christened on 29 Sep 1901 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 14 Aug 1992 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 18 Aug 1992 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: LB5T-KXY
• Initiatory (LDS): 30 Apr 1924, LOGAN

Notes:

Joseph Dunkley Benson: A personal History written by
Emily Lester (Great-Granddaughter)



Compiled from existing documents and a taped interview of Colleen Benson
Law, Daughter of Joseph Benson

On November 12, 1900 in Whitney, Idaho, George Taft Jr. and Sarah Dunkl e y Benson gave birth to their second son, Joseph Dunkley Benson. Their h um ble home consisted of a two-room cottage situated on a forty-acre far . H e was named after his grandfather Joseph Dunkley. Joseph was a kind a nd l oving boy, full of sympathy for the less fortunate. Even as a youn g child , he was known for his willingness to serve others. In fact, whe n his mot her needed something fixed around the house, she would say, “I’ ll just sa ve that until Joe comes home from school or has a free afterno on; and he’ ll fix it for me.” This practice continued even after Josep h moved away f rom home.
Several of Joe’s favorites growing up included marbles, horses, homema d e bread and milk with chokecherry jelly, and fruit. According to one o f h is sisters, he had a marvelous sack of marbles that continued to gro w a s he proved to be quite competent at the game. When it came to chores , Jo e preferred to tend the horses instead of milking the cows. Apparent ly h e was very good with them and would frequently help neighbors get st uck w agons out of fields. Additionally, he regularly drove four heads o f horse s hooked up to a big beet truck to the sugar factory with his bro ther.
When Joseph was just a young child, he would look through catalogs to fi n d little things like knife sharpeners to sell. This experience, couple d w ith his people skills, probably led to his eventual career as a sales man.
When Joseph was about six or seven years old, he came down with a bad ca s e of what we now know as rheumatic fever. However, at the time, medica l s kills were a lot more primitive and they diagnosed it as growing pain s. T here really was not much they could do for it. Consequently, he wa s ill a nd weak for a long time and stopped growing for a while so he wa s smalle r than most boys his age were. Thus, his brother would walk wit h him to a nd from school for protection and to make sure he was okay. Th is illnes s probably damaged his heart and contributed to his early death .
One of the most character building experiences of his life involved hi s f ather being called on a mission to the Eastern States. When he receiv ed t he call, there were seven children in the family with an eighth on t he wa y. They had little extra money and it took all their savings just t o bu y appropriate clothing and pay for his trainfare. Yet, George Taft B enso n faithfully left his young family and farm in the care of providenc e i n order to serve the Lord. They could not afford to hire anyone to he lp ; so the boys, the oldest being only twelve, ran the farm. Eventually , th ey found a couple that received room and board in exchange for thei r assi stance. Also, they sold part of the cattle and a few horses in ord er to s end money to their father in the mission field. These times wer e extremel y hard; but it taught the children how important the gospel wa s to thei r parents and proved their willingness to make sacrifices. Cons equently , all of the children born at that time made the gospel the cent er of the ir lives. In later years, every one of them said they were gla d to have t he opportunity to serve the church and sacrifice in order fo r their fathe r to go.
Joseph was always very thoughtful to his family members. One of his youn g er brothers recounted the story of a time when the Idaho winter was par ti cularly cold and snow came up past the waist. Joseph and three younge r br others were assigned to go round up the missing cattle before they f roz e to death. This was the first time that the youngest brother there h ad e ver received such an assignment. They were out for hours before the y gath ered up the last of the strays and still had the long walk home ah ead o f them. Each of the brothers wore heavy clothes and had boots on, b ut th e youngest one complained of the cold. Thus, Joseph took his own ja cket o ff and wrapped it around his little brother. He also carried him p art o f the way home because the snow was so deep.
An excellent scholar with a brilliant mind, Joseph always excelled in h i s schooling at Whitney grade school, Preston High, and at Brigham Youn g U niversity. He especially did well in his business classes. Many profe ssor s respected his abilities and he ended up becoming quite popular amo ng hi s peers and teachers. In fact he was voted as president of the Comm erce C lub at BYU. These accomplishments were particularly amazing becaus e he wa s often called home to help on the farm, and still managed to ge t high ma rks on his test. He loved school and was always anxious to obta in a degre e.
In May of 1924 Joseph was called to serve a mission for The Church of Je s us Christ of Latter Day Saints in the North Central States. Accordin g t o the mission journal he left for posterity, he enjoyed his mission a nd l oved the gospel will all his heart. He also made a book of picture s fro m his mission, but unfortunately he never wrote anything on them s o no on e is sure whom they are of. His mission lasted nearly three year s and inc luded a large area. Several times he served as president in var ious branc hes and later also served as conference president. In this cap acity, he s pent a lot of time traveling all over the mission, helping tr ain new miss ionaries.
During the course of his mission, Joseph acquainted an elderly sister w h o he baptized towards the end of his mission. She had no family of he r ow n so she sort of adopted him and his later family. Joe’s children kn ew he r as Grandmother Cromely. While they never met her, she would sen d them c ards and presents on birthdays and at Christmas. In her letters , she reco unted how much Joseph meant to her and how much the gospel h e brought wit h him meant to her. She continued to keep in contact for th e rest of he r life.
Joseph first met his future wife, Iva Laura Jones at a Gold and Green Ba l l. She was on the stake board for mutual and thus was there helping wi t h refreshments. One of Joe’s buddies asked her to dance and told her th a t there was a fellow standing over there who badly wanted to meet her a n d was claiming he was going to marry her. She jokingly replied, “You g o a sk him if he has his trousseau ready and everything ready for a home. ” La ter that evening, Joe and Iva were introduced and he asked her to da nce . As they were dancing, he said, “You might as well prepare yoursel f fo r it, I’m going to marry you and I don’t give up easily.” She laughe d an d replied; “I’ve heard that before.” That Sunday he took her out an d the y later attended the Junior Prom together. After having been on a f ew dat es with him Iva noted that although she felt she was treated wit h respec t by other dates, she had never been treated as beautifully by a nyone els e before. He brought out the best in her, as he did with the ma jority o f the people he knew and he gave her a special feeling of worth.
Several qualities that Iva admired in Joe included his sense of humor, h u mility, and friendliness. He never judged anyone. He chose his friend s ba sed on their character rather than on money or prestige. He was quit e pop ular and admired by many. People would say that Joe never met a str anger . Also, he was very neat. He kept his clothes immaculate although s ometim es they were a little well worn. Yet, the most endearing quality a bout Jo e for Iva was his great love for his mother.
Joseph’s mother, Sarah Dunkley Benson was kind and very caring. The fami l y used to say that Joe was always her favorite. During the last few mon th s of her life while she was battling cancer, she wanted Joseph to be w it h her. So, he rented his home in Provo and moved up to Idaho with hi s fam ily to stay with her.
On the other hand, Joseph’s Father was a very stern man and fairly opini o nated. He was a hard worker and expected his children to be also. Duri n g one of their visits back home, “Grandfather Benson” was tormenting Jo se ph’s son, Joe, by spraying him with the garden hose every time he cam e ou tside. Sarah would tell him that he really should not tease him lik e that , but he thought it was funny. Later that night, all the men got d resse d up for a priesthood meeting. The younger boys were mischievousl y laughi ng at something. When Grandfather Benson came out of the house , Joe was s tanding outside with the hose and one of the other boys turne d it on. H e pointed it right at Grandpa, soaking him. Grandfather was re ally angr y but Sarah came out and said, “Leave him alone George, you’v e been doin g that all day to him and he’s just following your example. ” Needless t o say, Grandfather Benson did not tease Joe anymore.
On September 8, 1927 Joseph and Iva were married to each other for Tim e a nd All Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Iva claimed she marred him f or h is outstanding qualities, his high ideals, his sincerity, and his ab ilit y to bring out the best in others. Joseph was twenty-seven when the y wed.
Joseph treated his wife like a queen. In fact, it was difficult for Iv a t o get him to let her do anything strenuous because he would always tr y t o find someone else to do it for her. For example, because Joe had al way s helped his mother do the wash on the farm, he vowed as a boy that h is w ife would never have to do that. Of course, when he was a child, i t was m uch more of a chore because it required pumping water into a grea t big ke ttle that was brought in and heated on the stove. Then his mothe r would s crub the clothes and pump more water to rinse them. Finally, sh e would dr y them by hanging them on bushes and the fence, or in the wint ertime, al l over the house because she didn’t have a clothesline.
By the time he married, electric washing machines and hot water heater s h ad been invented making the task much easier. Even so, he arranged fo r wo men to do their washing every week. However, as soon as a baby cam e along , Iva argued that she needed to wash the diapers more than onc e a week s o he bought her the best washing machine he could find. Yet, e ven then th ey would send the heavy things like sheets and blankets to th e cleaners b ecause he did not want her to have to work too hard.
Joseph and Iva both wanted a large family like the ones they had grow n u p in. On March 12, 1929 their first child, Colleen, was born. About t wo y ears later they had a son named Joe Dell. They wanted more children , bu t it was not until just before he died that Iva found out she was pr egnan t with a third child. Joseph was often inclined to spoil his childr en. Iv a had to be the disciplinarian in the home because he could not st and t o spank them or speak crossly. In fact, Colleen only remembers on e time w hen he did get angry with her. And, she is sure she deserved i t because s he kept arguing about wanting something she should not have.
Colleen and Joe learned right and wrong from their parent’s examples. Th e y were always very active in the LDS church. Regularly they attended t h e Salt Lake Temple, and then would talk about how much it meant it the m . Joseph often talked to his children about the gospel and told him th e i mportance of serving others. He was always doing something for someon e o r going somewhere on some kind of church assignment. He was a usefu l asse t to the Sunday School for many years. After all, he had a knack f or hand ling disruptive classes of eleven, twelve, and thirteen-year-ol d boys.
Joseph and Iva were very careful with their money. They tried to sav e a s much as they could, and never bought anything until they could affo rd t o pay cash for it. As a result, it took several years to furnish the ir ho me. Economically, times were hard for most of the world. They wer e in th e middle of a depression, and while Joseph had a good job, he cou ld neve r be sure how long it would last because so many companies were f olding.
Joseph worked as a regional representative for a company that made car r e pair kits. He often had to take business trips to Nevada, Idaho, and So ut hern California. However, his family was his highest priority, and h e wa s always happy to be back home. When he returned he would bring surp rise s with him. One time he was unable to return in time for Colleen’s s ixt h birthday and therefore sent her a beautiful birthday card that expr esse d how much he wished he could be there and how much he loved her. Th is wa s very important to her. It was probably the first piece of mail sh e rece ived with her name on it. When he did finally return he brought an other s urprise gift that was a dresser set of a comb, brush, and mirror.
Right after receiving this job, Joseph decided that he needed to buy a n e w car for all the traveling he would do. So he bought a brand-new Mod e l T Ford. Whenever they were in a new city and accidentally broke a tra ff ic rule while trying to find their way around, they would just spend m or e time taking the policeman for a ride in their car and did not get th e t icket.
When the president of his company asked Joseph to spend some time in Cal i fornia setting up branches and hiring people there, he really did not w an t to go because it would mean leaving his family for over a month. So , h e convinced Iva to take enough money out of their savings to bring th ei r whole family down to Los Angeles for a sort of vacation. His motto w as , “Don’t miss opportunities, they may never come again.”
Thus, they left in January to drive to Los Angeles. At that time, practi c ally the entire drive was just desert, and the tracks across it were t h e only roads. Tires were not built as well then, and they had to repai r s everal on the way. Additionally, and car had a fire under it once, an d th ey had to stop to put it out. The children thought this was a grea t adven ture but Joseph had different impressions as he kept getting san d in hi s eyes when he was trying to repair things from little kids throw ing it t o put out the fire. Fortunately, Iva took the children to look f or cactu s and things so he could keep his temper down.
When they got to LA, which was a much smaller city back then, they rent e d an apartment in the middle of town. There was a flower shop on the co rn er where someone was always selling flowers from their gardens out fro nt . Every day they would go down and pick out a bouquet to give to thei r mo ther. They also spent a lot of time going to the beach and had load s of f un. Little did they know then that this was the last vacation the y woul d take together. A few months later the bank where they had thei r saving s failed and Joe said that he was so glad they used their mone y to go t o California because it would have just been lost.
Joseph loved to plan family activities that he thought his children wou l d like. One winter they had a particularly hard and long winter and th e c hildren were longing to play outside. So, Joe said they were going t o hav e a picnic. They packed a basket and got out the picnic blanket the n sa t down in the living room on the new carpet. Joseph built a roarin g fir e in the fireplace and they roasted marshmallow and weenies over it . Th e carpet surely had some damage caused to it, but Joe did not mind a nd sa id they needed something to be happy about.
Joe had an interesting nightly ritual. As soon as he was ready to leav e t he office, he would call to say he was headed home. Then, to keep awa ke w hile driving, he always sang a song that he made up by combining a f ew li nes out of about six different songs. He had a beautiful voice an d ofte n made up songs with his children. Iva could hear him as soon as h e turne d onto their road. So, she would meet him at the back door, openi ng it fo r him. He would park his car in the garage, shut the door, wal k in and ki ss her on the cheek. Then he pushed his hat to the back of hi s head and g o straight to the refrigerator to see what was in there. Hi s favorite wa s cream pies, so Iva always made sure she had something lik e that.
Admirably, Joseph never felt like he was above anyone else. In one incid e nce, several couples including Iva and he were on their way to a very n ic e formal affair when a lady with a questionable reputation from abou t a b lock away called to Joe. She had done some of their laundry when Iv a wa s down with the babies but Joe didn’t mention that. Instead, he walk ed ri ght up to her, put his arm around her and introduced her to the oth er cou ples standing there saying she had helped them out in a time of ne ed.
Joseph died April 24th, 1936 leaving behind two children and a wife wh o w as pregnant with their third. He left for work one day feeling fine , bu t came home looking horribly ill. The doctors diagnosed it as strept ococc us, which was very new then, and they were just beginning to recogn ize it . They did not have any antibiotics to fight it. Consequently, th e famil y had three out of four friends who had it die of the illness wit hin jus t a few weeks.
Their son Joe was sick at the same time with Scarlet Fever. He was in o n e room and his Dad was in the next with the hall between them. They wou l d talk across the hall making all sorts of plans for that summer. Witho u t even realizing what was happening little Joe saw the paramedics carr y h is Dad out on a stretcher.
Joseph was always a charitable man inside the family and out. He was alw a ys perfect in the eyes of Iva, and never criticized or found fault wit h h er. He never spoke an unkind word to her, and made their marriage th e bes t nine years of Iva’s life.
Years after his death people would come up to his family and tell the m o f the wonderful things he did for them. Times were hard for many beca us e of the depression. But, as long as Joseph had a job, he knew he coul d h elp others. He used to take baskets of food to the families where the re w as illness or a death. Also he anonymously sent coal to several wido ws ho mes during the wintertime. One of the ladies eventually got the del iverym an to reveal where it was coming from, and she told the others. Th ey al l expressed their gratitude to him by sending his family cakes.
Joseph Dunkley Benson left behind a tremendous legacy. He served selfles s ly, never telling anyone about what he did. When he saw something tha t ne eded to be done, he immediately went to work. He never put off til l tomor row what should be done today. Throughout his life he always pu t his fami ly first. The gospel, of which he had a strong testimony, wa s also a bi g part of his life. He was considerate of everyone and kind t o all he kne w.

Joseph married Iva Laura Jones on 8 Sep 1927 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Iva (daughter of Edward David Jones and Laura May Jackson) was born on 16 Jun 1905 in Parker, Fremont, Idaho, United States; died on 10 Dec 1978 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 15 Dec 1978 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCX-26G
• Initiatory (LDS): 29 Nov 1922, LOGAN

Notes:

Email received from Alison Bilynskyj.

Burial Plot: LDS Garden Block: 401 Space: 4

Margaret Benson Keller, 97, of Nampa, died Saturday, July 3, 1999 at t h e Parke View Care Center in Burley, Idaho. Funeral services will be he l d at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, 1999 at the Smith LDS Chapel, Nampa, 15 0 0 W. Smith Ave. Ext., with Bishop Jerry Christensen officiating. Buria l w ill follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell.

Margaret was born February 16, 1902 in Whitney, Idaho, to George Taft a n d Sarah Sophia (Dunkley) Benson. She was born and raised in a two-roo m fa rm-house, the third of eleven children, where the family sang togeth er, p layed together, worked hard together, prayed together and stayed to gether .

Along with the responsibility of household and garden duties, as the old e st daughter, she thinned and topped beets with the best of them. She ro d e in a buggy or sleigh pulled by a horse to school. As a teenager, sh e wo n the district horseback riding competition in Logan. She loved to s ing , and she sang in her youth with a very popular trio. Later she direc te d children, youth and adult choruses.

She attended Utah Agricultural College in Logan and studied Home Economi c s. In 1922, she married Rulon M. Keller in the Logan Temple. They wen t t o Pocatello where he attended Idaho State College under a basketbal l scho larship. One year later, they took over his farm in Mink Creek, Id aho whe re their eight children were born.

In 1944, they sold the farm in Mink Creek and moved to Preston. Her husb a nd was called as the first Bishop of the Preston 7th Ward. In 1951, th e f amily moved to Caldwell. Since the death of her husband in 1970, sh e ha s lived in Nampa for the past 28 years.

Margaret enjoyed traveling and traveled to the Hawaiian Islands, Texas , W ashington D.C. and San Diego. In 1975, at the age of 73, she travele d wit h her sister, Lera Whittle, to England to serve a full-time missio n for t he LDS Church. In 1989, she was called to give a tribute to her o ldest br other, President Ezra Taft Benson of the Church of Jesus Chris t of Latt e r Day Saints, for his 90th birthday. Her tribute was transmit ted on sat ellite television as she spoke at the podium of the Salt Lak e Tabernacle.

She was people oriented and had many friends. She especially had a perso n al love and attachment for each of her forty grandchildren. 100 great-g ra ndchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She always kept trac k o f them and knew what they were doing and where they lived. She wa s a grea t homemaker and a loving and kind mother and grand-mother. She h as lef t a legacy in whose footsteps her descendants will find joy in fol lowing . She will be greatly missed by the many lives that are better fo r havin g known her.

Margaret is survived by her six children; MarRue Simmons and husband Bo y d of Provo, Utah, Marco Forsgren and husband Seth of Nampa, Beth Thomps o n and husband Bob of Burley, Idaho, Lamond B. Keller and wife Sue of Al bi on, Idaho, George B. Keller and wife Shareen of Nampa and James L. Kel le r and wife Renee of Meridian. She is also survived by many grandchildr en , great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, two sisters; Ler a B . Whittle of Provo and Sarah B. Eveleth and husband Tom of Redding, C alif ornia and many other family members. She was preceded in death by he r par ents, husband Rulon, two infant sons, one grandson, one great-grand -daugh ter, seven brothers and one sister.

Friends may call Tuesday from 12-8 p.m. at Alsip Funeral Chapel, Nampa . T he family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening and fro m 1 -1: 4 5 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Margaret married Rulon Morgan Keller on 29 Nov 1922 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Rulon (son of James Morgan Keller and Mary Ellen Baird) was born on 21 Jan 1901 in Mink Creek, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was christened on 5 May 1901 in Mink Creek, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 13 Jan 1970 in Tuttle, Gooding, Idaho, United States; was buried on 16 Jan 1970 in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCG-TLV
• Initiatory (LDS): 4 Oct 1927, SLAKE

Orval married Lourena May Clayson on 23 Dec 1931 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Lourena (daughter of Eli James Clayson and Ann Elizabeth Hawkins) was born on 7 May 1907 in American Fork, Utah, Utah, United States; died on 4 May 1997 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 7 May 1997 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: LBR3-S9T
• Initiatory (LDS): 23 Jul 1931, LOGAN

Notes:

Obituary:
Louisa Benson Greenwood returned to her Heavenly Father on July 2, 199 6 , dying of natural causes.


Born October 10, 1905 in Whitney, Idaho, daughter of George Taft and Sar a h Dunkley Benson. She graduated from BYU and taught school in Idaho an d A rizona. She married Quentin Edward Greenwood, July 23, 1931 in the Lo ga n Temple. She spent her married life in New York, New Jersey, New Mexi co , California and Utah, serving two missions for the church, one to Fay ett e, New York, and one to the London Temple, England. She held variou s lead ership roles in the church and led a life of total dedication to f amily a nd church.

She is indeed cherished by her family who will always feel her nurturi n g love. "Her children arise and call her blessed."

She is survived by her husband, Quentin Edward Greenwood; sons, Donald a n d David; daughter, Janet Devou, all of California; and daughter, Evely n S trange, of Scottsdale, Arizona; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandch ildr en; sisters, Margaret Keller, of Idaho; Lera Whittle of Provo; and S ara h Eveleth, of California. Preceded in death by seven brothers.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 6, 1996 at 11 a.m. at the S a lt Lake 14th Ward, 142 West 200 North. Friends and family may call Frid a y evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temp l e and at the ward, one hour prior to the services. Interment approximat el y 2:30 p.m., American Fork City Cemetery .


Created by: Janice Klafehn
Record added: Jan 15, 2007
Find A Grave Memorial# 17486700

Louisa married Quentin Edward Greenwood on 23 Jul 1931 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Quentin (son of Earl Samuel Greenwood and Jane Leah Robinson) was born on 8 Apr 1907 in American Fork, Utah, Utah, United States; died on 6 Feb 1999 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 11 Feb 1999 in American Fork, Utah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: LBR9-M8L
• Initiatory (LDS): 26 Jun 1929, LOGAN

Notes:

Lera Benson Whittle passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 1 0 , 2009 at age 102 while surrounded by members of her loving family .

Lera spent her entire life in service to others, beginning with her serv i ce to a devoted husband and their ten children. This service expande d t o include 58 grandchildren, 158 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-gre at-g randchildren.

She was born on a farm in Whitney, Idaho on May 4, 1907 to George Taft B e nson, Jr. and Sarah Sophia Dunkley Benson, the sixth of eleven childre n .

Lera attended Brigham Young University and was a sought-after elementa r y school teacher in Idaho.

She met her husband, Cyril Monroe Whittle, in Preston, Idaho and they we r e married in the Logan L.D.S. Temple on June 26, 1929 .

Cyril was also a teacher, and they often stated that their marriage to e a ch other was among the greatest of all gifts that life had given them.

This expression set the tone for their relationship, as well as for th e h armony that existed within their family and which exists to this da y .

Lera is loved and esteemed by every one of her direct descendants, ov e r a hundred of whom passed by her bed to say goodbye to her the day bef or e her passing.

Lera was an accomplished music director, choir director, and soloist. S h e taught special interest classes, was a visiting teacher, a district m is sionary, a relief society president, and a long time temple worker .

She lived with her husband and family in Cache Valley, Idaho, Imperial V a lley, California, Racine, Wisconsin, and Provo, Utah .

After her husband's death, she served a mission to England for The Chur c h of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with her sister Margaret .

Her greatest satisfaction in later life, she said, came from her lov e o f family, and her love of the church with its numerous opportunitie s to s erve others.

Her family looks at her life as something to be celebrated. They will al w ays be grateful for the tenderness and wisdom with which she guided the m . She will be missed, but the memory of her exemplary life will alway s li nger on.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. i n t he Orem Northridge Stake Center, 1660 North 200 West, Orem, UT. Ther e wil l be a closed casket, but friends are invited to greet the family s tartin g at 9 a.m.
Published in the Deseret News on 6/14/2009.

Lera married Cyril Monroe Whittle on 26 Jun 1929 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Cyril (son of William Monroe Whittle and Bertha Estella Thompson) was born on 26 Sep 1902 in Fairview, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 15 Apr 1961 in Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona, United States; was buried on 20 Apr 1961 in Fairview, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCN-KPQ
• Initiatory (LDS): 9 Nov 1934, SLAKE

Notes:

Valdo Dunkley Benson, 79, died peacefully at home Tuesday, October 3 0 , 1 9 90.

He was born April 23, 1911 in Whitney, Idaho to George Taft, Jr. and S a r a h Dunkley Benson, the seventh of 11 children; President Ezra Taft B en so n, Salt Lake City; Joseph D. Benson (deceased), Margaret Keller, Na mpa , Id aho; Orval D. Benson, Whitney, Idaho; Louisa Greenwood, Garden V all e y, Ca lifornia; Lera Whittle, Provo; George T. Benson (deceased), S all y E veleth, Redding, California; Ross D. Benson, (deceased), V. Ben B enso n, Valle y Center, California.

As a young man, Valdo served an LDS Swiss German mission where he assi s t e d his mission president in establishing a new mission in Berlin.

He attended the University of Idaho.

He sang leading roles in school musicals and was an outstanding athl e t e i n basketball and tennis.

He graduated with a B.S. degree from Utah State Agricultural College.

Valdo married Ruth Watkins on March 31, 1939 in the Logan LDS Temple.

They lived in South Bend, Indiana where Valdo worked as a sales organ i z e r for Intermountain Knitting Mills.

During World War II he was employed by the U.S. Treasury Departmen t t o o r ganize the selling of war securities to farmers in the 11 weste rn s tate s.

He thereafter went into the turkey business and later purchased a 320- a c r e farm in Carey, Idaho.

He was a progressive and successful agri-businessman as well as commu n i t y leader.

After 12 years of farming, the Benson's accepted a call to Germany t o p r e side over the Central German Mission.

After three memorable years, he joined with longtime friends in the fa b r i c business and moved to Seattle, where he opened over 30 retail sto r e s i n the Northwest. Upon retirement, they purchased ranch propert y i n Ri verd ale and Mink Creek, Idaho.

When Mr. Benson was asked what he was going to raise on his ranch, h e s a i d, ``grandchildren'', and how they have enjoyed ``Grandpa's'' ran ch , wh er e they acquired his love for fishing and the out-of-doors.

Valdo's church service includes: regional representative, original pro d u c er of the Martin Harris Pageant; mission president (Central German ) , Bl ai ne Stake president, stake High Councilman, bishop, branch presi de nt, S cou tmaster and teacher.

He is a recipient of Scouting's Silver Beaver Award.

He has always been active in the Scouting program, serving on the exec u t i ve board of the Snake River and Cache Valley Councils.

Together, he and his wife served another LDS mission to Atlanta, Georg i a .

His life has been one of service and love for other people.

He is survived by his wife, and five children, Lauralie Tanner (Gary ) O g d en; John T. Benson (Kathleen), Logan; Ralph V. Benson (Louise), B ount if ul; Rebecca Smith (Steven), and JoAnn Steele (Rex), Boise, Idaho ; 30 g ra ndc hildren; ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 3, 1990 at 1 p.m . i n t h e Logan 24th Ward Chapel, 1260 No. 1600 East, with Bishop Sheld on L . Ne ls on conducting.

There will be a viewing from 6-8 p.m. Friday, at the Allen-Hall Mort u a r y and one hour prior to services.

Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzhe i m e r's Research Fund, 543 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 8410 2 o r t o t he LDS Church Missionary Fund.

Find A Grave Memorial# 54732430

Valdo married Ruth Watkins on 31 Mar 1939 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Ruth (daughter of Joseph Hammond Watkins and Anna Laura Andersen) was born on 12 Oct 1916 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 7 Feb 2006 in Pleasant View, Weber, Utah, United States; was buried on 13 Feb 2006 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZ3-B75
• Initiatory (LDS): 15 Feb 1933, LOGAN

Notes:

George Taft Benson III, died April 15, 1990 peacefully in his sleep at h i s home.

He was born August 27, 1912 in Whitney, Idaho to George Taft and Sarah D u nkley Benson.

Married Wilma ``Billie'' Harris on February 9, 1939; she died November 1 6 , 1968.

He married Venice Prince on June 10, 1969; she died March 4, 1971.

He married Jane Seare Welch December 9, 1972 in Boise, Idaho.

He served two LDS missions to the Southern States.

He was very active in the Church serving in bishoprics, High Council, yo u th organizations and was principally involved in initiating the Saturd a y Night dances in Boise Valley.

He particularly loved his Temple work.

Prior to his retirement, he was a partner with the Paul B. Larsen Real E s tate Company of Boise, Idaho for 35 years.

He loved all sports and was actively involved.

He enriched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by those who kn e w him.

He dearly loved his family.

George is survived by wife Jane of Salt Lake City; daughters, Mardi Ga i l Hill of Meridian, Idaho; Maureen M. Clayton of Bonn, Germany; Lind a W . Bennett of Boise, Idaho; Jacquelyn Davis and Janet W. Kirkham, bot h o f Bountiful, Utah; and Susan W. Bowen of Boise; sons, G. Taft Benso n IV o f Nampa, Idaho; and Brian Harris Benson of Provo, Utah; 38 grandch ildre n and 6 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, President Ezra T aft Be nson of Salt Lake City; Mrs. Margaret Keller of Nampa, Idaho; Orvi lle D . Benson of Whitney, Idaho; Mrs. Lera Whittle of Provo, Utah; Vald o D. Be nson of Pleasant View, Utah; Mrs. Louisa Greenwood of Gardenville , Califo rnia; Mrs. Sarah Evleth of Redding, California; and Ben Benson o f Valle y Center, California.

Funeral services are scheduled Wednesday, April 18th at 12 noon, in Sa l t Lake City at the 18th Ward Chapel, 135 A Street.

Friends may call at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Tuesda y e vening 6-8 pm and at the Ward Wednesday, one hour prior to services.

Burial will be in Boise, Idaho on Thursday, April 19th, at 3 pm, in th e S yringa Gardens.

Family suggests contributions be made in his memory to: American Cance r S ociety, 610 East South Temple, SLC, UT 84102.
Burial:
Dry Creek Cemetery
Boise
Ada County
Idaho, USA
Plot: 3N 119 4-J

George married Wilma Maudell "Billie" Harris on 9 Feb 1939 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Wilma (daughter of Joseph Emer Harris and Maudell Leone Woolsey) was born on 25 Nov 1917 in Cardston, Cardston, Alberta, Canada; died on 16 Nov 1968 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States; was buried in Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Venice Pugmire on 10 Jun 1969 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Venice (daughter of Emerson Pugmire and Iris Margery Floyd) was born on 25 Aug 1916 in St. Charles, Bear Lake, Idaho, United States; died on 4 Mar 1971; was buried in Hagerman Pioneer Cemetery, Gooding, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Jane Seare on 9 Dec 1972 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States. Jane (daughter of Lester Arthur Seare and Rachel Ivins McKean) was born on 25 Mar 1917 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 17 Apr 2011 in North Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, United States; was buried on 23 Apr 2011 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZR-NSB
• Initiatory (LDS): 9 Sep 1971, SLAKE

Sarah married Achton Christian Jensen on 11 Aug 1934 in Mar Vista, Los Angeles, California, United States. Achton (son of Jens Peter Achton Jensen and Karen Christine Matilda Nielsen) was born on 24 Dec 1904 in København, Hovedstaden, Kongeriget Danmark; died on 21 Aug 1978; was buried in 1978 in Bakersfield, Kern, California, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Thomas Eben Eveleth on 7 Aug 1948 in Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada, United States. Thomas (son of Thomas Eben Eveleth and Nora Vivian Marvel) was born on 20 Jan 1914 in Bakersfield, Kern, California, United States; died on 15 Nov 2003; was buried in Millville, Shasta, California, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZW-NTC
• Initiatory (LDS): 10 May 1935, SLAKE

Ross married Barbara Jean White on 21 Dec 1942 in Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, United States, and was divorced. Barbara (daughter of Edward Arthur White and Naomi Geneva MacKenzie) was born on 11 Jul 1920 in Lewiston, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 25 Feb 2004. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZ8-FWR
• Initiatory (LDS): 16 Oct 1939, SLAKE

Volco married Helen Anderson on 16 Oct 1939 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Helen (daughter of Charles Henry Anderson and Josephine Robinson) was born on 21 Apr 1919 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 4 Feb 1999. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHJ-1VV
• Initiatory (LDS): 24 Apr 1947, SLAKE

Family/Spouse: Mary May Hinckley. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KW86-5CV
• Initiatory (LDS): 22 Apr 1948, SLAKE

Notes:

Obituary:
Mark Amussen Benson, age 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2 9 , 2 012, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a short illness. H e s pent the last hours of his life with all of his family around him.

Mark was born on May 2, 1929, in Salt Lake City, to Ezra Taft and Flor a S mith Amussen Benson, the second eldest of six children. His Childhoo d yea rs were spent in Boise, Idaho; Berkeley, California; and Bethesda , Maryla nd. Mark nearly died as a young man from asthma but was cared fo r and nur tured by his loving parents and family. When the Bensons reloca ted to Uta h, Mark graduated from East High School and later earned a bac helor's deg ree in sociology from Brigham Young University in 1952. He co ntinued hi s studies at Stanford University where he earned a master's de gree in edu cation in 1953.

While at BYU, Mark was active in a host of organizations, including Ph i E ta Sigma, Blue Key, and served as Homecoming chairman. The highligh t of M ark's time at BYU, however, was when he met, courted, and marrie d Lela Wi ng of Raymond, Alberta, Canada. They were sealed in the Salt La ke Templ e on December 30, 1952. Mark and Lela made their home in Utah, T exas, an d Indiana, and would become the parents of six children, 34 gran dchildren , and 21 great-grandchildren. Mark's greatest moments in life w ere the ti mes he spent with his family on outings, at concerts, at sport ing events , and at family reunions. All of them will always remember hi s example o f Christ-like charity and his undeviating devotion to the res tored Gospel .

Professionally, Mark had aspirations of becoming an educational administ r ator and he pursued this path being named the first director of the BY U A dult Education Center in Ogden, Utah. However, as a gifted speaker, s kill ed marketer, and consummate salesman, Mark followed his innate talen ts an d was hired in his first sales position with Rena-Ware Distributors . Mar k was then recruited to be a regional and, subsequently, a nationa l manag er for the Saladmaster Corporation of Dallas, Texas. He would eve ntuall y become president of a Saladmaster division, Castlewick Corporati on. Hi s community service included membership in the Salt Lake City Rota ry Clu b and President of the Pioneer Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneer s.

While his professional obligations always kept Mark busy, he never "refu s ed a calling nor resisted release" within the LDS Church, a principl e h e always taught his family and missionaries. From an early age, Mark' s pa rents instilled in him a love for the Holy Scriptures, particularl y the B ook of Mormon and his life-long Church service reflected this abi ding com mitment. He influenced countless lives for good through his serv ice, an d his church callings which included: full-time missionary in th e Easter n States Mission; Home Teacher; High Councilor; Mission Presiden t of th e Indiana-Michigan Mission; Member of the YM/YW General Board; Re gional R epresentative; Bishop; Stake President; Patriarch; and Sealer i n the Sal t Lake Temple. Mark was able to seal four of his grandchildre n to their s pouses in the last few weeks of his life, much to the joy o f his family . The memories of these recent sealings will remain with Mar k's family fo rever. Three of Mark's grandchildren are currently servin g full-time L D S missions.

Mark is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 60 years, Lela, an d t heir six children: Stephen Reed of Gilbert, Arizona; Stephanie Youn g (Dav id) of Sandy, Utah; Stacey Ann Reeder (Martin) of South Jordan, Ut ah; Mar garet Ferry (Benjamin) of Corinne, Utah; Mary Richards (Ryan) o f Pleasan t Grove, Utah; and Michael Taft (Debi) of Cedar City, Utah. H e is also su rvived by his five loyal and loving siblings: Reed (May), Ba rbara Walke r (Robert, deceased), Beverly Parker (James), Bonnie Madsen ( Lowell), an d Beth Burton (David). The family wishes to extend their prof ound gratitu de to Mark's doctors and caregivers, especially to the dedic ated staff o f Care Source. They also give particular thanks to Mark an d Lela's faithf ul home teacher of over 30 years, Dr. Merrill Wilson, t o the members of t he Ensign 1st Ward, and to their dear friends and fait hful neighbors, Ver non and Loretta Rice.

A viewing will be held at the Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple ) o n Friday, August 3rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be hel d in t he Ensign Stake Center (135 "A" Street) on August 4th (the birthda y of Ma rk Benson's father, President Ezra Taft Benson) at 11 a.m. A view ing wil l also be held prior to the services from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at th e Ensign S take Center. Interment services will be held in Whitney, Idaho .

Mark married Lela Wing on 30 Dec 1952 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Lela (daughter of Charles Rodolph Wing and Viola Margaret Allen) was born on 17 Apr 1931 in Raymond, Warner, Alberta, Canada; died on 29 Sep 2016 in Draper, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 8 Oct 2016 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCC-C2Q
• Initiatory (LDS): 26 Sep 1955, SLAKE

Notes:

Obituary:
It is with deep sadness and amazement that we announce the passing of o u r incredible mother, Barbara Amussen Benson Walker on March 26, 2020 . W e thought and hoped that she would live forever through sheer, cheerf ul f orce of will. Mom passed away peacefully at her daughter Heather an d Dr . Paul R. Sandstrom's home in Mesa, AZ surrounded by her loved one s singi ng her into the heavenly choir at the age of 85. She was joyfull y greete d as she passed through the veil of mortality by her beloved hus band, th e late Dr. Robert H. Walker (Bob), her parents and loved ones.
Barbara will never be forgotten by her posterity: her five "perfect" chi l dren, Flora (Larry) Spackman of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Heather (Pau l ) Sandstrom of Mesa, Arizona, Laurel (David) Udall of Lindon, Utah, Rob er t (Joni) Walker of Honolulu, Hawaii and Bountiful, Utah, and Holly (Ka rl ) Tilleman of Phoenix, Arizona. She and Bob are blessed with 25 "Aweso m e Blossom" grandchildren: Beth (Stuart) Thompson, Mary Anne (Nelson) Kr oe ker, Sara (Dustin) Johnson, Holly (David) Melchin, Grant (Chelsa) Spac kma n, Erica (Alan) Soelberg, Ryan (Karen) Sandstrom, Alexis (BJ) Gremill ion , Walker (Lauren) Sandstrom, Ashlyn (Brady) Fenn, Barbara Jo (Garrett ) Ha tch, Christine (Rock) Hull, Robert (Brian) Matheny, Rachel (Jon) Hug hes , Janelle (Kyle) Palmer, Louisa (Hayden) Clasby, Derek (Amanda) Walke r, J ustin (Tatum) Walker, McKenna (Austin) Bush, Jacob Walker, Karl B. ( Jessi ca) Tilleman, Daniel (Becca) Tilleman, Mary (Brandon) Caywood, Mich ael (J ulie) Tilleman and Sarah Tilleman. Barbara adored each and every o ne of t heir 52 brilliant great-grandchildren (with four more percolatin g in uter o) and while Barbara would love to have each one named, it wil l take up f ar too much room. She is also survived by her three beloved s isters, Beve rly Parker, Bonnie (Lowell) Madsen, Beth (David) Burton, an d sister-in-la w, May Benson.
She was predeceased by her devoted and brilliant husband, her adored par e nts, her protective and loving older brothers, Reed and Mark Benson, si st er-in-law, Lela Benson, and brother-in-law, James Parker.
Barbara was born June 20, 1934, the eldest daughter of President Ezra Ta f t and Flora Benson, the third of six children.
Barbara was born in Boise, ID when her father was working for the Stat e o f Idaho as an agricultural county agent. When Barbara was four year s old , the Benson family moved to Washington, DC. (for the first time. ) In 194 3, her father was called to be an Apostle in The Church of Jesu s Christ o f Latter-day Saints. This necessitated the family's move to Sa lt Lake Cit y, Utah where Mom resided until her marriage. Mom's childhoo d was spent i n an idyllic family. Growing up with siblings Reed, Mark, B everly, Bonni e and Beth, their home was filled with love, learning, laug hter and lulla bies.
Barbara graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City where she serv e d as President of the East High School Associated Girls Association an d t he Seminary Student body Vice-President. She attended the Universit y of U tah for one year where she served as the freshman class Vice Presi dent. W hen her parents moved back to Washington, DC for her Dad to serv e in US P resident Dwight D. Eisenhower's cabinet as Secretary of Agricul ture, it w as decided (not by Mom!) that she needed to attend BYU. Afte r much "discu ssion", Mom acquiesced and left the U of U for BYU. She end ed up loving h er three years at BYU where she studied Home Economics. Sh e was voted "fr iendliest girl on campus" (WHAT?!!!! Of course!!!) and sh e dazzled as th e BYU Homecoming Queen in 1954. She worked at Deseret Boo k during the sum mer months. She later served on the National BYU Alumn i Board.
Barbara was unforgettable! Her personality was bigger than life; she lit e rally filled every room! She had a joyful, commanding presence and a me ga watt smile adorned with bright red lipstick which she was eager to sha r e on unsuspecting cheeks! She was the most fun, upbeat, optimistic, enc ou raging, generous, positive and grateful person - ever! She could fin d th e good in any situation. Mom's vehicle of choice was a convertible w hic h she drove with panache and style - even in the middle of harsh Cana dia n winters, with kids piled in the back seat covered in blankets! A s a pow erful force of nature, she used her talents for awesome! One gran ddaughte r called her a "human Disneyland!" Her enthusiastic personalit y made he r the consummate hostess, as generous with her hospitality as s he was wit h her talents. She loved Christmas with all her heart and deco rated her h omes to the max. The Walker home was open for any meeting, fi reside, an d party, complete with delicious refreshments. She was friend s with every one she met. She loved the quote: "Blessed are they who hav e the gift o f making friends; the power of going out of one's self and a ppreciating w hatever is noble and loving in another." (Thomas Hughes 182 2-1896) As Eld er Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle s said recently , "Everyone needs a dose of Barbara Walker every day! "
One can not think of Barbara Benson Walker without remembering her dee p l ove of music and her powerful coloratura soprano voice which she mos t gen erously shared right up until the week before she passed away. Sh e starte d singing lessons at the age of 13, and from then on, she trille d her wa y through life! The last two weeks of mortality, she was surroun ded const antly by her family as they sang to her in person and through v ideo call s - and she sang with us!
Barbara's first calling in the church was ward chorister at the age o f 8 , accomplished by standing on a chair, in the Chevy Chase ward in Bet hesd a, Maryland. She took piano and voice lessons for many years. Her si ngin g accomplishments were prodigious, but to name a few of the highligh ts: S he adored quartet singing for years with her dear friends, Carma Fl orence , Hope Swendsen and Cathy Whitehead. She sang the soprano lead i n severa l operas in Calgary, including The Impressario and The Merry Wid ow at th e Jubilee Auditorium, and she soloed personally for two presiden ts of th e United States, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and President Ri chard Nix on and their wives. In Barbara's words, "A highlight of my musi cal life w as to be requested by President Gordon B. Hinckley and Preside nt Thomas S . Monson to sing a solo at the solemn assembly at General Con ference in t he Tabernacle when my dearly beloved father, President Ezr a Taft Benson , was sustained by the entire church, The Church of Jesus C hrist of Latte r-day Saints, as the prophet of the Lord, prophet, seer an d revelator o n April 6, 1986. I sang one of my dear father's favourite , "O Divine Rede emer" by Charles Gounod, accompanied on the Tabernacle o rgan by Robert Cu ndick." With all her musical accomplishments, Mom wrot e in her personal h istory, "My most important role is that of wife and m other and singing lu llabies to my children." We are so grateful for th e nightly lullabies sh e sang to us every night right before our prayers.
Mom and Dad were married in the Salt Lake City temple on 29 September 19 5 5. They were introduced by their parents. Dad was an accomplished surge o n in Calgary. Mom was on tour - and soloing - with the BYU Madrigal Sin ge rs when the choir came to Calgary to perform. Grandpa and Grandma Bens o n flew to Calgary from Washington, DC and Grandma Fannye Walker drov e u p from Raymond, Alberta to facilitate this momentous introduction bac ksta ge. After the concert, their mothers accompanied doctor Dad on a hou se ca ll. As Dad later said, "Our mothers were in the backseat planning t he wed ding and I was in the front seat trying to remember her name!" Mo m move d to Calgary and their happy union lasted 43 years until Bob's dea th in 1 998, although through their temple covenants, we are deeply grate ful the y are sealed together for eternity .
Of all Mother's roles and talents, the one she poured her heart and so u l into was that of being an excellent mother. We children lovingly ref e r to her as our "divine drill sergeant." Mom and Dad had exceptionall y hi gh standards for us in everything we did. And we did a lot. As child ren , besides our school work and church service, we were put in almost e ver y lesson and activity available to children growing up in Calgary: pi ano , organ, swimming, diving, scuba diving, synchronized swimming, tenni s, b adminton, figure skating/hockey, hula dancing, ballet, Scottish danc ing , art lessons, horseback riding, hiking, choir, typing, sewing, pian o an d vocal trios, swim team, volleyball, basketball, rugby and football . W e are grateful for the hours Mom spent driving us everywhere; we ha d fu n honing our skills (or lack thereafter) especially at The Glencoe C lub . Of all the lessons, piano and organ were probably where Mom's tenac ious ness was most focused. In hindsight, we are intensely grateful for t he sk ills we learned. Because of Mom and Dad's intense encouragement an d suppo rt, all of their children received at least one university degree . Extend ed family was also incredibly important to Mom and Dad and thei r home wa s always open to our sweet cousins for however long the need. P recious fa mily relationships were made and solidified as time was spen t at the Raym ond and Calgary Stampede, and at their homes in Midway, Uta h, Mesa, Arizo na, and Waterton Lakes National Park. Dad and Mom felt str ongly that Sund ay dinners were a sacred family bonding time, and the dec ades-long tradit ion of Mom's Alberta roast beef Sunday dinners were alwa ys a highlight o f the week, where tummies were filled and where we all b ecame best friend s.
Mom served continually in the community and in the church. While she sa i d she loved living in Canada, she had a ferocious love of the United St at es of America. The American flag was always flying - even in Canada. S h e recently proclaimed that her true loves were her faith, family, freed om , food, and Fox News! She lead the music in her congregation, served a s w ard music chairman and directed the choir for literally decades. Ever y mu sic calling

Barbara married Robert Harris Walker on 29 Sep 1955 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Robert (son of James H Walker and Mary Elizabeth Ann Harris) was born on 15 Sep 1922 in Raymond, Warner, Alberta, Canada; died on 10 May 1998 in Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; was buried on 19 May 1998 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KW4Y-L4T
• Initiatory (LDS): 9 Nov 1950, SLAKE

Joe married Aldine Case on 17 Apr 1953 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Aldine (daughter of Joseph Case and Mary Melba Paul) was born on 30 Nov 1927 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States; died on 27 Jul 2012 in Orem, Utah, Utah, United States; was buried in Orem, Utah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWC1-NRC
• Initiatory (LDS): 15 Apr 1950, SGEOR

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: LNSC-59D

David married Madelin Adelaide Law on 11 Dec 1958 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. Madelin (daughter of Jordan Albert Law and Jessie Lutisha Clark) was born on 17 Jul 1936 in Payson, Utah, Utah, United States; died on 31 Oct 2012 in Washington, Washington, Utah, United States; was buried on 8 Nov 2012 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): Not Needed
• FamilySearch ID: KWVQ-DWP

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): Not Needed
• FamilySearch ID: KWVQ-DWY

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KW4T-GCT
• Initiatory (LDS): 7 Sep 1948, SLAKE

Family/Spouse: Simmons. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWC2-QSL
• Initiatory (LDS): 30 Mar 1948, SLAKE

Marco married Seth Fuhriman Forsgren on 31 Mar 1948 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Seth (son of John Clifford Forsgren and Mary Oneta Fuhriman) was born on 11 Mar 1925 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 17 May 2001 in Nampa, Canyon, Idaho, United States; was buried on 21 May 2001 in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KW4B-XNP
• Initiatory (LDS): 26 Apr 1956, SLAKE

Notes:

Email received from Alison Bilynskyj.

Cremated

Over all very healthy. Passed away from advanced Colon Cancer, diagnos e d 11 months before death, could not be stopped with chemo or radiation . H ad part of colon removed from 1st diagnosis of colon cancer years ear lie r and had been in remission.

Sara married Robert Henry Thompson on 19 Aug 1960 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho, United States. Robert (son of John Henry Thompson and Lora Harmon) was born on 18 Mar 1931 in Malta, Cassia, Idaho, United States; was christened on 12 Apr 1931 in Malta, Cassia, Idaho, United States; died on 24 Feb 2013 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States; was buried on 9 Mar 2013 in Orem, Utah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHX-83Y
• Initiatory (LDS): 17 Jun 1954, SLAKE

Notes:

Lamond Benson Keller, 78, passed away at his home in Albion on Thursda y , May 31, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

Lamond was born May 11, 1934, in Mink Creek, Idaho, the son of Rulon Mor g an and Margaret (Benson) Keller. He graduated from Caldwell High Schoo l a nd from Brigham Young University in Provo, with a bachelor's degree i n ag riculture. He married Betty Jo Garber and together, they had three c hildr en, Jeffrey Charles, Laura and Jay. They later divorced. On Oct. 24 , 1970 , Lamond married Sue Ellen Bulloch Callaway in Albion. They were s ealed f or time and all eternity in the Twin Falls LDS Temple on July 27 , 2011. J oining this union was Sue Ellen's daughter, Lori Lynn. Lamond a nd Sue Ell en then had two sons, Kristen James and Lance Bulloch. Lamon d worked thro ughout his life as a livestock nutritional specialist. He l oved horses an d his career. He was a dedicated husband, loving father an d a special gra ndfather. As a member of the LDS Church, he served a miss ion in norther n California, was a Scoutmaster and was a beloved Sunday s chool teacher o f the teenage class.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Ellen Keller of Albion; his children, Je f frey Charles Keller of Nampa, Laura (Brent) Moyland of Caldwell, Jay (A nd rea) Keller of Rigby, Lori Lynn Clayson and Kristen James Keller, bot h o f Albion, and Lance Bulloch Keller of Burley; 10 grandchildren; fiv e grea t-grandchildren; two brothers, George (Shareen) Keller of Nampa an d Jame s (Renee) Keller of Meridian; and one sister, Marue Simmons of Pro vo, Uta h. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Clair C layson ; and two sisters, Marco Foresgren and Beth Thompson.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 5, at the Albion LDS Ch u rch with Bishop Randy Brackenbury officiating. Burial will be in the Al bi on City Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, June 4 , a t the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St. in Burley, and fro m 1 unti l 1:45 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Lamond married Betty Jo Garber on 2 Aug 1959 in Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, United States, and was divorced. Betty (daughter of Joseph Ray Garber and Laura Cecelia Yorgason) was born on 25 Mar 1931 in Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, United States; died on 14 May 2010 in Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: GCVM-221
• Initiatory (LDS): 18 Mar 1952, SLAKE

Family/Spouse: Elaine. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHF-KSQ
• Initiatory (LDS): 15 Sep 1954, LOGAN

Kent married Louise Anderson on 11 Jul 1962 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Louise (daughter of Dean Symons Anderson and Margaret Ada Neal) was born on 18 Jun 1943 in Seattle, King, Washington, United States; died on 15 Apr 1965 in Tuba City, Coconino, Arizona, United States; was buried on 21 Apr 1965 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Kent married Mary Dawn Keppner on 2 Apr 1966 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho, United States. Mary (daughter of Lehi Arthur Keppner and Mary Ella Statham) was born on 12 May 1936 in Hibbard, Madison, Idaho, United States; died on 3 Dec 1988 in Tucson, Pima, Arizona, United States; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): Not Needed
• FamilySearch ID: LZP8-DHS

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHC-LZ7
• Initiatory (LDS): 16 Dec 1959, LOGAN

Notes:

Obituary:
Morris Clayson Benson, 73, passed away at home from natural causes on Su n day, October 7, 2013, in Idaho Falls, Idaho .

Morris was born on December 21, 1939, in Whitney, (Franklin County) Idah o , to Orval and Lourena Benson. He attended school in Whitney, and gradu at ed from Preston High school. During high school, he was active in musi c , performing widely in Cache Valley as part of a trumpet trio. He wa s a n aturally gifted athlete, lettering in football, basketball and base ball . He was known for his powerful batting skills .

He served an LDS mission to the Southern States. Upon his return, he att e nded Ricks College where he met and married Jean Anne Johnson. They we r e married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on August 11, 1965. They becam e t he parents of six children. He was a most patient and exceptional fat her .

He graduated from Ricks College and Brigham Young University. After comp l eting college, he and Jean made Idaho Falls their home. He owned and op er ated Benson Livestock and Tri-B Meat Co. with his brother Orval for ma n y years. Later, he was co-owner of ECSI Business Systems where he work e d until his retirement. He was a man of many talents and abilities an d wh at he didn't know, he figured out .

He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sain t s and had a great love for and devotion to Gospel principles. Thoug h a ma n of few words, he taught his children and set an example for othe rs thro ugh his Christ-like life.

He served in many church callings: Elders Quorum President, High Pries t g roup leader, High Councilman, Young Men's President, counselor in sev era l bishoprics and Bishop of the Willow Creek Ward. He was active in an d su pportive of Scouting. His favorite calling was as a Primary teache r .

He was known for his hard-work ethic, usually outdoing those half his ag e . But he always put his family first- never missing their special event s . For years, he played softball in the backyard and taught sportsmansh i p to his own children and most of the neighborhood kids .

He was a master gardener and landscaper. After retiring he was able to d e vote even more hours to creating a "Garden of Eden" for many to enjoy . Hi s yard was featured in the Idaho Falls Garden Tour. His display of C hrist mas lights was included in the tour of Christmas lights for the cit y .


His greatest legacy is his faith, patience and endurance. Since he w a s a young boy, he suffered from health challenges. These challenges we r e numerous and increased in severity as he aged. However, he persevere d a nd never complained, despite facing daily pain and disability. His en duri ng motto was: "It's nothing of eternal significance. "

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his children, Laurie Funk (Chri s ); Shannon Williams (Doug); Bonnie Larsen (Steve); Joel Benson (Kimberl y) ; Julie Taylor (Jed); and Kimball Benson (Sharla); 28 grandchildren an d o ne great-grandson. He is also survived by his siblings: Orval (Elaine ), L arry (Lynda); Marsha Shumway (Del); and Vaughn (Cecelia) .

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Kent, and his sist e r, Mignon.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 10, 20 1 3 at the St. Leon LDS Church building, (6925 N 15th East), Idaho Falls . T he family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday , Oc tober 9th at Wood Funeral Home (273 N Ridge Ave.). Interment will b e at t he Whitney Cemetery (Preston, Idaho) after a grave-side service a t 4:00 p .m.

We are grateful to medical providers who cared for him over the years, a n d to friends and family for their outpouring of love and support. Mos t o f all, we are grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who, in His tende r me rcy, saw fit to end his test and bring him home.

Morris married Jean Anne Johnson on 11 Aug 1965 in Idaho Falls, Bonneville, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lynda. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Del Shumway. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Cecelia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): In Progress
• FamilySearch ID: LFHW-MB9

Janet married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCT-6WD
• Initiatory (LDS): 28 Mar 1952, SLAKE

Sabra married Elwood Rey Peterson on 23 Jul 1954 in Manti, Sanpete, Utah, United States. Elwood was born on 25 Jan 1932 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States; died on 20 Aug 1983 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States; was buried on 23 Aug 1983 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: L2NC-C39
• Initiatory (LDS): 22 Jun 2018, PAYSO

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZS-5X9
• Initiatory (LDS): 11 Nov 1964, SLAKE

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHX-XDH
• Initiatory (LDS): 1 Dec 1969, SLAKE

Valerie married Daniel Joseph Miller on 18 Apr 1975 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Daniel (son of Carlton Lee Miller and Alice Mae Sansom) was born on 26 Dec 1952 in Huntington, Cabell, West Virginia, United States; died on 26 May 2007 in Tampa, Hillsborough, Florida, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZM-FDS
• Initiatory (LDS): 5 Oct 1950, SLAKE

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KW4R-5QL
• Initiatory (LDS): 14 Mar 1963, LOGAN

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHN-Z6R
• Initiatory (LDS): 31 Aug 1960, IFALL

Family/Spouse: Hill. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWCM-PKB
• Initiatory (LDS): 11 Jan 1963, LOGAN

Family/Spouse: Clayton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Bennett. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Davis. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Kirkham. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Bowen. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHB-H3X
• Initiatory (LDS): 25 Nov 1975, LANGE

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWZP-91B
• Initiatory (LDS): 9 Aug 2010, PROVO

Notes:

Obituary:
Our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Heidi Hinckley Benson , o f Provo, passed away peacefully at the Intermountain Medical Center o n Ju ly 23, 2009 due to respiratory complications.

Heidi was a devoted mother to her son, Tyler Gordon Benson and provide d l oving and tender care to him throughout his life. Tyler preceded he r in d eath at the age of 4 1/2.

Heidi graduated from Brigham Young University and was a Registered Nur s e for over 20 years. She was a loving, giving caretaker and her servic e a nd conscientious care was appreciated by many. Her family and patient s we re her foremost priority.

She was born March 10, 1966 in Alexandria, Virginia and grew up in Virgi n ia, Kentucky, and Utah.

She is survived by her parents Reed Amussen Benson and Mary May Hinckl e y Benson, as well as eight siblings, Holly H. Benson Holden, Taft Benso n , Heather H. Benson Stephenson (Mark), M. Mark Benson (Kristen), Lucil l a H. Benson Rhees (Ryan), Joshua R. Benson (Brandi), Lynna H. Benson St ew art (Jared) and Sarah D. Benson. She is an adored aunt to 32 nieces an d n ephews. Her acts of love, kindness, charity and her giving nature wil l b e sorely missed.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. i n t he Pleasant View Third Ward Chapel, 650 East Stadium Avenue, Provo. F rien ds may call from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the Chu rch.
Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East Dimp l e Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah.

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Larry Spackman. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Paul Sandstrom. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: David Udall. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Joni. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Karl Tilleman. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): Not Needed
• FamilySearch ID: KH6F-Q9Z

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): Not Needed
• FamilySearch ID: L6QD-CDW

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): Not Needed
• FamilySearch ID: KWHF-KSS

Family/Spouse: Chris Funk. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Doug Williams. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Steven Larsen. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Kimberly. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jed Taylor. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sharla. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: KWHV-527
• Initiatory (LDS): 19 Apr 1991, PROVO

Other Events and Attributes:

• Initiatory (LDS): PROVO
• FamilySearch ID: KWCT-64N

Other Events and Attributes:

• FamilySearch ID: LF66-QMB
• Initiatory (LDS): 3 Aug 2012, OAKLA