Beverly Benson

Sadly, our beloved Beverly Jean Benson, 76, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025 in Oakdale, California after a short battle with an aggressive and non-operable brain tumor.

Beverly was born on September 8, 1948 to Albert and Martha Witcosky in San Francisco, California. Beverly grew up in San Francisco with her parents and brother, Peter and sister, Ardith. The Witcosky family enjoyed camping in Mendocino and time together at the beach. Beverly graduated from Lowell High School in 1966. Driven by her passion for helping others, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of California Berkeley and later graduated in 1970 from University of California San Francisco. Beverly met Leslie Konkin at UCSF and they married in 1972. In June of 1976 they were blessed with a son, Taylor. Shortly after they moved to Colorado to fulfill a military obligation. Upon completion, they settled in Riverbank, California and subsequently built a home and a new life in Oakdale. Beverly enjoyed working as a registered nurse and her greatest role as mother, raising their son. Her hobbies were vast and included gardening, raising exotic birds, playing the piano and spending time with family and friends. Les and Beverly were married for sixteen years.

In 1988, Beverly and Taylor relocated to Loma Linda, California. She attended Loma Linda University School of Medicine for four years. During this time, Beverly bravely battled breast cancer and overcame obstacles. She graduated, with honors, from LLU with the intent to pursue a residency in Family Practice Medicine. She returned to Central California and completed a three year residency in Modesto. Shortly afterwards, Beverly began practicing as a physician in her beloved community of Oakdale where she served for ten years.

Beverly found love again and was married to Robert Benson in June of 2002. After retirement, Bob and Beverly enjoyed traveling together to tropical destinations, pursuing their passion of viticulture, and spending time on the golf course with each other and friends. She was an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and regularly attended Bible Study Fellowship, Beverly's unfailing faith in her Savior was evident by her character and daily life. She was committed to keeping her mind sharp and enjoyed learning new skills in retirement such as playing the cello. Beverly loved spending time with her son and his wife, Rebecca, and their four children in Chico. Her role as grandma was among her favorite.

Most will fondly remember Beverly for her deep kindness, quiet strength, and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. Whether in her professional life or at home, she led with empathy and grace. Beverly was blessed with a green thumb. She mastered the art of growing amazing produce and could transplant any plant or flower so she could share them with others. Beverly's outward poise and beauty was only surpassed by her inner beauty and strength. Grandma Bev will be remembered by her grandchildren for sharing favorite bible stories, gardening together, and teaching them how to bake a walnut torte.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents and brother Peter. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert and his daughter Ashley and husband David, her sister Ardith, son Taylor, daughter in law Rebecca, and four grandchildren Luke (21), Jacob (17), Hollynn (14), and Julia (11). She also leaves behind a supportive group of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

A memorial service and reception to honor Beverly's life will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM at The Barn at Pheasant Trail Ranch in Chico, California. All who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate her life and legacy.