Ruth L. Benson / Nov. 23, 1936-Nov. 28, 2010

Published 9:24 pm Monday, November 29, 2010

Ruth’s life began on Nov. 23, 1936, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Auddie F. and Dorothy (White) Squier.

She was united in marriage to Gerald Benson Sr. on March 28, 1953, in Dowagiac.

Ruth, 74, of Dowagiac, was a longtime employee of Rudy Manufacturing (Sundstrand) and had been employed by Village Markets.

She was a “bingo nut” who loved to play cards with family at every gathering. Ruth loved her family and spending time with them was her greatest joy. Her loving family includes: her husband, Gerald Benson Sr. of Dowagiac; children, Cynthia Benson, Gerald Benson Jr., Roy Benson, Edward Benson, James Benson, Lester Benson and Judith Benson, all of Dowagiac, and Valerie Benson of Vandalia; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Benson of Niles; 27 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lillian DeBry of California; a brother, Auddie Squier of Baldwin; and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth passed away on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

She is preceded in death by: her parents; a son, Dennis Benson; a daughter, Rebecca Benson; a brother, David Squier; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Benson. Her family will gather with friends on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be at 1 p.m.

She will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Gerald Benson, Sr. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Ruth at www.yazel-clark.com.