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Donna Benson Obituary
Donna Benson (Barrows) was born in Mildenhall, England, to Richard Barrows, a member of the U.S. Air Force and his wife Estelle (Stella) Palmer, a local English woman. At the age of 3 months, her family relocated to an airbase near Rapid City, South Dakota, where she graduated from Central High School. Donna graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Geological Engineering and a M.S. in Geology. She worked at Mesa Community College for 14 years as a Geology Professor. Donna is remembered for her quick wit and humor. She was loved by her students and recognized for her ability to show students that they could achieve what they thought was impossible by being selected MCC 2003 Teacher of the Year. Donna started the MCC Science Day, an event that hosts over 400 fourth and fifth grade children in hands-on learning activities to encourage future scientists and engineers. Donna is survived by her husband Dewey, daughter Hayley, 7 brothers, and 3 sisters. She will be lovingly remembered for her dedication to her students, her joy in seeing students get excited about science, putting everyone else before herself, and her wit, humor, and practical
jokes. Donna has forever touched everyone who knew her. A memorial service is scheduled at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2085 E Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ, Friday May 10, 2013 at 11am.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donna Benson
Heather Dummar
May 2, 2019
I got this email on the anniversary of Donnas passing I have to say I am still impacted daily by her lessons and compassion towards all. I am a high school teacher and the reason I am so successful is because Donna taught me the value of building relationships with students.
Clint Treadway
April 14, 2018
I was a student of Donna Benson. I owe much to her. She inspires me to this day to be a loving and funny educator. She helped write a scholarship essay for me which I was awarded and allowed me to go to school for free. I can't express the sorrow I feel. I send my condolences to Dewey and Haley. The world lost an amazing person
Caroline Hinchliffe
May 25, 2013
I was a student of Donna Benson. My name is Caroline Hinchliffe. The last time one of several fieldtrips to GrandCanyon an elite group of scientific minds braved Tanner Trail. Donna was a wonderful geologist and her experenced field work was amazing. Donna Benson a caring person,mother,mentor and friend will always be in my heart. I am honored she was a part of my life. To her daughter and family my sincerest condolences . She will always be with us.
Marie Bowden
May 17, 2013
Thinking of all her family! May God Bless you and keep you.
Brenda T
May 13, 2013
I came to know Donna through her sister, she was a sweet lady. I pray that God will be with her family and give them strength to get throught this hard time. If there is anything I can do let me know. God Bless You Benson and Barrows family.
Margaret Borns
May 13, 2013
I had the good fortune to have been a student in Donna's geology classes a number of years ago at MCC. She helped me to see our great earth with a lot more reverence. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
May 13, 2013
Donna was such an inspiration as a teacher and in the way she encouraged young people to get involved with science. I will be forever grateful for her organization of our wonderful field trips where we learned so much about geology. She was a joy to be around. Best wishes to Hayley and Dewey.
May 12, 2013
My thoughts and sincere sympathy to Dewey and Hayley. I so enjoyed knowing Donna and she was so much fun on the geology field trips that I took with her and Dr. Bob. Donna was always so kind. I know you miss her terribly. Marilyn Reiling
Sandy Whitley
May 12, 2013
My thoughts are prayers are with Dewey and Hayley. It was a gift to have known Donna who instilled her enthusiam for geology in each of her students.
Donna Barrows - 1980 (college reshman at SDSM&T)
Larry Simonson
May 11, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to you, Dewey, and to Hayley from all of your friends at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City.
Coleen Wagner
May 10, 2013
Thoughts and prayers goes out to all the family....love you all
Jo & Ken Langston
May 10, 2013
Our thoughts and Love are with the Benson and Barrows family.
Etta Hawkins
May 9, 2013
Sending my sympathy to Donna's family. Her science day field trips were the best field trips our kids had! She gave our kids a day to remember each year. I was so privileged to meet Donna.
Amanda
May 9, 2013
Donna was a wonderful professor that I feel touched my life in so many ways. She taught me that science can be fun and engaging. She will me missed in the classroom and she will forever be in my heart.
Heather Dummar
May 8, 2013
Donna was an amazing professor and friend to me . My life has been forever changed by having her in it. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May 8, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. God cares for you and will help you during your time of need. ( Psalms 121:2)
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How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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