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Leatha Benson Obituary

Leatha (Rutledge) Benson

Leatha (Rutledge) Benson, 94, of Olympia died February 24, 2011.
She was born September 4, 1916 to Cecil and Grace (Hamond) Rutledge.
Leatha Rutledge is a descendent of the pioneer Rutledge family. She grew up on a farm in Mima Prairie. Leatha graduated from Rochester High School in 1934. She used to board the milk train at Mima station to shop in Olympia at Woolwoth's ten cent store, then go to Sylvester Park and wait for the train to unload.
Leatha Rutledge and John H. Benson exchanged wedding vows on June 30, 1939 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, in Olympia. There were married 59 years before he preceded her in death in 1998.
Mrs. Benson loved children and helping others. She enjoyed being home with her family. She also enjoyed singing and the Gloria Dei Lutheran Choir and Sweet Adelines. She was a natural seamstress who enjoyed designing pretty dresses for her daughters and granddaughters. She also took orders and made drapes. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes. Mrs. Benson worked in the yardage and linen departments at J.C.Penney for 20 years and retired in 1979. She was known for her radiant smile, always being cheerful and helpful in manner.
She is survived by her three daughters, Marla (Benson) Clark of Longview Washington, Johna (Benson) Little of Olympia, and Bette (Benson) Finn of Anacortes, Washington, four grandchildren, Krista Little, Anna-Maria Finn, Carla and Ian Clark, one great-grandson Joshua Clark and one great-granddaughter Baylee Clark.
A memorial service for Mrs. Benson will be held March 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Harrison Avenue, Olympia.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Heart Fund.

Published by The Olympian on Mar. 2, 2011.
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My Deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers to you and the family of Mrs. Benson. My god be with you daring this time. As i remember Mrs benson in church sitting behind or in front of us. she was sweet and loving woman and always had a smile and waved at me or my children,, she will be missed.

The Pendleton Family

Sharon Pendleton

March 3, 2011

My deepest sympathies for your loss of this very special lady. Back in the 70's, I was one of the neighbor kids next door, who she hired to do odd jobs like mowing her mammoth back yard and staining the cedar shake shingles during the hot summer. Mrs. Benson was the friendliest, nicest neighbor and our family was fond of her and her husband. Memories of the children who lived on Walnut Road could not be complete without including the lovely character of Mrs. Benson. May she rest in peace.

Trace Pierson

March 2, 2011

Our thought and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Leatha has always had that beautiful smile and such a pleasant personality very kind and warming to others. She will be greatly missed. She is such a dynamic lady with a very special glow about her and mostly giving and kind with lots of love. Love your cousin, Jan, Ed, and of course Nellie.

March 2, 2011

March 2, 2011

My condolences to johna and the rest of the family of Leatha. I especially appreciated that you visited my sister Nellie Vosper Cornwell in her last illness. I know it meant a lot to her and Janet. I am sure Leatha now resides with the Lord. Jim Vosper

Jim Vosper

March 2, 2011

We are so sorry to hear about Leatha. She was such a wonderful lady. She will be deaply missed by all that knew her. I have so many wonderful memories of her. RIP Leatha.... Grant and Mary Nelson

Grant and Mary Nelson

March 2, 2011

You were the best mom in the whole world! I am very proud of you and feel blessed to have had you as my mother. You had so much patience and everlasting love for your family. I treasure each memory of you from the way you read me stories, baked the best apple pie, stayed up all night to sew me a pretty dress for my violin recital, your radiant smile, positive attitude, the way you helped others and always made sure that you stood in your front living room window to wave goodbye to me. I'll never forget you and I'll love you forever and ever! All my love, your #2 daughter, johna

johna Little

March 2, 2011

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