Arlene Ruth Benn

Arlene Ruth Benn, 88 of Smith Center, Kansas passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2026 at SunPorch of Smith County in Smith Center, Kansas. She was born September 27, 1937 on the family farm to Albert and Rosina Sasse. She was Baptized as an infant and confirmed in 1952 at Christ Lutheran Church rural Gaylord.

She attended Beaver Valley country school through the 4th Grade. Her sister Verna was her teacher. She then attended Gaylord grade school and High School where she graduated in 1955.

After graduating High School, Arlene worked at Duckwall's. She then started a career at the ASCS office in Smith County in December 1956, where she worked for 36 years. Some of her career highlights were working with her co-workers, training employees and working in other counties with various programs as new personnel needed training. In 1986 she became the Smith County Director. Arlene was very active in the KASCOE and NASCOE Employee's Association. She was chosen to represent the Southwest area of the United States in employee negotiations, one of five program assistants in the United States. She retired in December, 1992.

Arlene met the love of her life, Jack Benn who worked in the same building for the SCS. They were married December 4th, 1960. They honeymooned in San Diego, California. On their way home their car was broken into and everything was stolen except the China they purchased with wedding money. To this union a son Dirk Alan was born.

Arlene's interests included Cooking, Entertaining friends and family, Redmen and Lady Red sports, Kansas State Wildcats, the KC Chiefs and Royals. She enjoyed reading and Sudoku puzzles. She enjoyed winters in Texas and summer trips to Canada. She was known for her style and fashion. She loved to shop, Shoes lots of Shoes. Most of all she loved spending time with her Grandsons and family.

Arlene was a member of the American Lutheran Church, PEO, Hobbnobbers, and the Garden Lore Club.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jack; parents Albert and Rosina Sasse, brother Maynard, sisters Verna Dusin, Dorine Kuhlmann, and Carolyn Gillen.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Dirk (Sarah) of Adel, IA. Grandsons, Dylan of Milo, IA and Carson of Port Washington, WI, and 13 nieces and nephews.