Ruth Watkins Benson

Ruth Watkins Benson
1916 - 2006

PLEASANT VIEW - Ruth Watkins Benson passed away peacefully at home Tue., Feb 7, 2006.

She was born Oct. 12, 1916 in Logan, Utah to Anna Laura Andersen and Joseph Hammond Watkins Jr., the second of five children, Margaret (Richard) Owens (deceased); Joseph H. Watkins III (deceased); Mildred Watkins (deceased); and Reed A. (Jeanette) Watkins (Salt Lake City).

Ruth attended B.Y. Training School, Logan Jr. and Sr. High Schools, where she was active in band (French horn), orchestra (violin), special clubs (literary, social, drama and service), and was on the honor roll.

Following graduation from Logan High School and Seminary, she attended USAC (Utah State University), receiving honors in student government (class and student body officer), band sponsor, "Outstanding Personality", Harvest (Homecoming) Queen, drama, etc. She was affiliated as a member of Chi Omega and Alpha Sigma Nu. There she continued her scholastic prowess and graduated in the field of "Clothing and Textiles" with a graduate scholarship to attend the New York School of retailing.

While attending USAC as a senior, Ruth met Valdo Dunkley Benson. They were married March 31, 1939 in the Logan L.D.S. Temple. They are the parents of five children, 34 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren all of whom survive her. She knew and loved each one. They revered her as their caring advocate. She and her husband provided a great missionary legacy and example of service which is being carried on through each generation.

They lived and served in South Bend, Indiana; Logan, Utah, Carey; Idaho, Duesseldorf Germany; Seattle, Washington; Riverdale, ID; Calhoun, Georgia and Pleasant View, Utah.

Ruth was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her husband served two missions together. Valdo presided over the Central German Mission (1963-66) and they completed a proselyting mission in Calhoun, Georgia (Georgia, Atlanta Mission) in 1985/86.

During her marriage, Ruth supported her husband as Regional Representative, original producer of the Martin Harris pageant, Mission President, Stake President, Bishop and Branch President. Included in her personal service are Ogden Temple worker, Relief Society president and teacher, Stake Relief Society presidency, board member, Young Women's presidency and teacher, primary leader and visiting teacher where she left an abiding impression of love and service. Her associates through all of this service continue to be cherished friends. Her church, family and friends were her focus. She was unusually selfless with an innate ability to care for others.

She is survived by their five children, Lauralie (Gary) Tanner, Pleasant View, UT; John (Kathleen), St. George, UT; Ralph (Louise), Bountiful, UT; Rebecca (Steven) Smith, Boise, ID, presently presiding over the Russia, Novosibirsk Mission; JoAnn (Rex) Steele, Riverdale, ID, all grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and one brother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and three siblings.

Funeral services will be held Mon., Feb. 13, 2006 at 12:00 noon in the Pleasant View Second Ward Chapel, 250 W. Elberta Drive, with Bishop Rick Woods conducting. There will be a viewing Sun. evening from 6 to 8 p. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. and Mon. at the church from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to services.

Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery Mon. 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund or Perpetual Education Fund.
VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden
100 Monroe Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84404
February 12, 2006
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ServicePleasant View 2nd Ward Chapel
250 W. Elberta Drive
Pleasant View, UT 84414
February 13, 2006
12:00 PM
CemeteryLogan City Cemetery
12th East 9th North
Logan, UT
February 13, 2006
3:30 PM