Clara Cram "Lenae" Benson

1929 - 2025

Clara "Lenae" Cram Benson

March 13, 1929 ~ May 4, 2025

Salt Lake City, UT-"Lenae" Benson, our beloved mother, mother-in-law, Grammy, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully, in Salt Lake City, surrounded by the love of her family, on May 4, 2025.

Born on March 13, 1929, in Alamo, Nevada, to Roy Riggs Cram and Adella Linck Cram, Lenae was the third born of five children. She met Don Benson, the love of her life in sixth grade. She attended Las Vegas High School where she was a cheerleader and homecoming royalty. Lenae and Don's romance blossomed throughout high school, and they both attended Brigham Young University. Lenae developed a lifelong love of learning and became an avid BYU football fan.

She was married to her sweetheart, Don Jay Benson, for 71 wonderful years. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1948 and were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 27, 1951. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and deep companionship. They raised three children - Craig, Susan, and Steve - instilling in them: compassion, the importance of laughter, a great sense of humor, a love of all sports, and the pride of being a BYU fan.

Throughout her life, Lenae had a remarkable gift for understanding others and sensing their needs. She genuinely enjoyed connecting with people and forming deep, meaningful relationships with those she loved. She always made time for her daily check-ins with family and those facing hardship. You could not have a conversation with Lenae, without an abundance of laughter, and her "one-line zingers"! The Benson home was often a respite and refuge to whomever needed it. Lenae's interests were as rich as her spirit, - she found joy in bowling, golf, tennis, traveling, reading, and exploring her family history through genealogy. Children were drawn to Lenae, and she adored being with them. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family. Lenae's life reflected warmth, resilience, and quiet strength, and she was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lenae was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings throughout her life. She was a proud member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers - "pioneer stalk," as she liked to say. Her faith and heritage were central to who she was. Lenae and Don served missions for their church at Hill Cumorah Pageant - Palmyra, NY and Martins Cove, WY where they faithfully served others and touched many people's lives with their kind hearts and giving spirit. They also took a church-based assignment in Hong Kong, where they were over the Filipino Branch, serving as branch president and in many other capacities to a singles ward.

In addition to her role as a devoted wife and mother, Lenae was a successful Avon representative for years, followed by a career at the Heritage House, where she was the wedding and event coordinator for many years.

Lenae's legacy lives on through her family, who brought her tremendous joy. She is survived by her three children: Craig (Carolyn) Benson of Sandy, UT; Susan (Bo) Putnam of Half Moon Bay, CA; and Steven (Kari) Benson of Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and her sister Deanna Cram Hanes, along with many nieces and nephews. Lenae is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Jay Benson, her sister Marilyn Cram Corey, her brothers Roland and Derry Cram, and her parents.

Lenae's compassion, resilience, and love will forever be remembered by everyone whose life she touched. Although she is no longer physically present, her spirit, joyful laughter, and deep love will continue to be a lasting part of our lives. She had a real love for life's simple pleasures- especially finding the perfect "bite to eat."

And, in her famous last words, "wait, wait, just one more thing…"

Services honoring Lenae's life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3401 S Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT 84106

Visitation: 1:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M., with graveside services to follow.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Donna Taylor and Jennifer Butterfield for their exceptional care and companionship.