Marilee "Lee" Benson
1941 - 2010
Marilee "Lee" Benson
1941 - 2010
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1941
DIED
2010
Marilee Benson Obituary
She was born in Colville, Wash., May 24, 1941, to Gilbert and Janice (Yake) Aubertin, and grew up in Colville and Kettle Falls, Wash. Lee lived in Kelso for 43 years coming from Springfield, Ore.
Lee was a bartender at the Columbia Inn in Kalama for 25 years. She enjoyed knitting, friends and family, and traveling. Lee was a social butterfly.
She married Ben Benson April 10, 1967. He survives her at home after 42 years of marriage. Also surviving are three sons, Bryan Kerr of Kelso, Benjie Benson of Centralia, and Jim St. Germain of Castle Rock; two daughters, Jeaunice Bailey of Kalama and Bobbie Reed of Bothell, Wash.; two sisters, Kate O'Dell of Grassville, Ark., and Gayle Stott of Springfield, Ore.; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Beverly Zipfel.
A celebration of Lee's life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. March 27 at the Kalama United Methodist Church, 111 N 2nd St. The family would like you to bring your favorite photo of Lee and a thought of what it means to you to put on a remembrance board.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632 or a charity of choice.
Arrangements are by Dahl-McVicker Funeral Home.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily News (Longview, WA).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wendy Denison(Dixon)
March 27, 2010
I am sorry for your loss.... and such a great loss it was! For her 5ft stature she had a heart as big as Mt Everest. She always had room in her heart and the time for our family during our hardest times.
The heavens must have too many sinners and saints.... They needed another Angel ;)
Barbara Graham
March 26, 2010
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, Lee was a very dear and special person. She will remembered and missed by all. The Graham family, (Ken &Barb ) ( Brian & Erica ) (Shaunna & Tony Genanatti )
Jeaunice Bailey
March 26, 2010
Thank you all for the wonderful throughts of my mother. I know she loved you all...she was the most caring and giving person I have ever known. Even though her life was cut short, we were give extra time to cherish her. I'll miss her every day my phone doesn't ring...Jeaunice
Trista Joplin
March 25, 2010
To Bobbie and family,
So sorry for the lost of your mother. I haven't seen her since we were kids but I know she was a very nice woman. God Bless You All
Trista
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Margo Bales
March 25, 2010
Where do I begin. Lee was a friend to our whole family. So many called her their second "mom". She chewed butt when needed and always had a hug for everybody. I will truly miss my long time neighbor and friend. She brought so much to this life. My favorite thing about Lee was her committment to things. She used to come see me every day for about ten minutes or was she coming to see my dog charlie. Hmmmm! Whatever, it doesn't matter because she put a smile on my face and got charlies tail a wagging. My prayers and love go out to the Benson family. One last parting thought about Lee, to put in her words I'll Miss Your Face" but you will always be in my heart. I love you my lady.Rest in Gods arms.
Benson
March 24, 2010
I would like to thank everyone for there kind thought and memories of this wonderful women. Then family is very greatful to all that have shared there memories and there kind words at this time. We would like to also say thank you to all that have been there to help in our time of need. It is so wonderful to see how everyone has came together to show there love and friendship about such a strong loving women. Lee will always be the back bone of this family and a friend to all that loved her. She will always be the one that got away to soon because she kept this family strong in hard times and also laughing when you really wanted to cry and give up. Lee showed everyone how to love and how to be a strong person and a good friend to all that wanted it.
The family hopes to see everyone Saturday March 27 to Celabrate her life. They would like to encourge everyone to bring a picture and to put it up on the board with there favorite memories of her. There will also be a section to write a note in her book with your name to let the family know where you knew her from and what your thoughts and memories of her are.
Dana Bellows
March 24, 2010
Some people are special enough to live forever. Lee is one of the lucky few, Her kind soul and giving spirit touched so many and will never be forgotten. Our hearts reach out to yours, with love and sympathy at this difficult time. Love Dana Bellows (Dixon)~ & Family
april hamby
March 24, 2010
To the Benson Family~~ I knew Lee from her bartending days. My mom introduced me on my 21st bday and I was lucky to be one of many that was able to call Lee a friend. Lee was the most kind and friendly person I knew and always had a smile on her face no matter the situation. My fondest memory of Lee will make you smile. There was a bunch of us gathered at the Inn, I think it was a birthday party, and myself, my husband a couple other friends got into a whip cream fight and Lee was sternly telling us to give back the bottle and so we did, but I had some in my hand and got her with it in the face and on her shirt. She was probably ready to kick my butt, as we know she probably could have, but as she was wiping her face and trying not to smile and talking sternly to us...she started to laugh, but we had to promise never to do it again!! My mom Krista and I wish that all your thoughts and memories give you comfort through this sad time. But know that she will not be forgotten by many people~~ Rest in peace Lee, our little angel above, we love you!! Krista and Damon Hartzog & April and Vern Hamby~~ ")
Amanda (Amy) Day (Bailey)
March 23, 2010
I love you Gramma. You fought so hard for so long, and I know it was hard for you to give in. You were always a fighter. As much as I am going to miss you, I know in my heart that you are finally at peace. We all love you very much!!!
I’d also like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts for our family during this time. Gramma Lee was known by many, and she loved and thought of you often. Thank you for being there for her.
We love you Gramma…Amy, Tyson, Marcus and Kyleigh
March 23, 2010
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Larry J Hensley, Longview, Washington
Debbe Bills
March 23, 2010
There are many people we meet in our lives, but only a very few will make a lasting impression in our hearts and in our minds. It's these people that we will think of often and who will remain in our memories forever. Lee will never be forgotten by so many people whose lives she touched.I never knew anyone who could even come close to compareing to Lee. My heart goes out to you Benny and to all of you kids.Know we will come full circle to begin again. I love you Lee.
March 23, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss Ben my friend. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Billie Kucel, Longview, Washington
March 23, 2010
My heart and prayers go out to Bryan and the family. We lived close by and she was always there for us. She will be missed. Laura Smith
Correnia Kerr
March 23, 2010
You are missed by so many people. You kept a smile on all faces. We love and miss you dearly. You touched so many lives. Rest in peace Lee. I know you'll still be looking over your family.
Susan (Robbins) Truluck
March 23, 2010
Jeaunice & Ben, so sorry to hear of your loss! My deepest sympathies to all of you!
Brian Snaza
March 22, 2010
My condolences Bryan to you and your family. May God be with you.
Darrell Howard
March 22, 2010
You were a wonderfully caring person who touched the lives of so many.
I know your loving memory will carry your family and friends through this time of sorrow.
Rest peacefully "Aunt Lee".
gina white
March 22, 2010
its hard to believe shes gone, she was one of the Moms in kelso, seems we had one on just about every block growing up to keep us in line one way or another,, she will be missed..love to all gina holde ( white) and family
Gina Giles
March 22, 2010
Mrs. Benson lived next door to my family for almost my entire life. When I think of my childhood, I think of the Benson's and of spending the 4th of July on their porch watching them set off their fireworks for hours and hours! I am so sad to hear that Lee is gone and my heart goes out to the entire family, especially you Mr. Benson.
All my love,
Gina Giles
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301 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, WA 98626
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