Ellen Hilda Benson

Ellen Hilda Benson

January 13, 1929 – September 16, 2025

Ellen, age 96, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Rallo, and her daughter, Cynthia Hoppe.

She is survived by her daughters Correne Aasand (Arne) and Christine Arnold (James), and son-in-law Del Hoppe. She was a devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren-Chad, Justin, Aaron (Adrienne), Heather, Stephanie, Nicole, Brandon, Jessica, Ryan, Harrison, and Hayley-and a proud great-grandmother to Cora, Bennett, Esme, Olivia, Tristan, Iyla, and Hank.

Ellen lived her early years on the family farm in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, where she embraced farm life and developed a lifelong love of nature and baking.

After marrying her beloved husband, Rallo, the couple made their home in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where Ellen found joy in raising her daughters and building lasting friendships in the neighborhood-especially with the Kavaloskis and Mallets. She loved sharing recipes, stories, and laughter. She had a deep love for gardening and was proud when her beautiful flower garden was even featured in a local newspaper.

Ellen also enjoyed baking-especially her Krumkake, a nod to her 100% Norwegian heritage-birdwatching, collecting antiques, and had a special knack for Christmas tree decorating-each ornament lovingly placed, each tree full of charm, and the Christmas spirit.

In her later years, Ellen lived with Correne and her family in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where she continued to fill the home with love, the smell of baked goods, and warm laughter. She found joy in simple pleasures-watching birds and "silly squirrels" out the bay window, cooking with family, and going on cherished adventures in the family RV. From trips to Mount Rushmore, Duluth and the Saint Croix River to outings at local parks, antique malls, museums, zoos, shopping and restaurants, Ellen treasured every moment-especially time spent with her great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond words.

Ellen will be remembered for her faith in God Almighty, her unwavering love, gentle spirit, sense of humor, and the way she made every holiday, every meal, and every moment feel special. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed-until we see her again in Heaven.

A graveside burial service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on October 2 at 1:30 p.m.

The family invites you to honor Ellen by sharing a recipe, tending a flower garden, feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels, or simply spending time with those you love-just as she would have!