Ellen Mae Benson

Ellen Mae Benson, 90, of New London, died Thursday, October 30 at Brookdale Senior Living in Willmar. Her funeral service will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 4 at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org

 Ellen Mae Benson was born on August 9, 1935, to Martin and Catherine (Ockenfels) Rupp in Murray County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Ellen spent her early years in Murray County before her family moved to New London, where she attended middle school and high school. She graduated from New London High School with the Class of 1953.

On May 26, 1956, Ellen was united in marriage to Dennis Benson at Lebanon Lutheran Church in New London. They were blessed with two children and made their home in New London. Ellen worked for many years at the New London Clinic and later as a pharmacy technician at Anderson Drugs before devoting her time to being a homemaker for her family.

Ellen was a devoted member of Peace Lutheran Church and a proud member of the New London Auxiliary. She and Dennis enjoyed spending many winters together in Arizona. Ellen found great joy in gardening, crafting, reading, and spending time at their home on Lake Andrew.

She is survived by her children, Randy Benson and Lisa Benson-Smith; honorary daughter, Deb (Jack) Koerner; grandchildren, Peter, Drake, Joel, and Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Jayce, Max, and Tessa; and her beloved dog, Rocky. She is also survived by her brothers, Merle (Joyce) Rupp and Chuck (Sandy) Rupp; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; parents, Martin and Catherine; infant grandson, Kyle; and siblings, Marvin Rupp, Dora Gravley, Clarence Rupp, Clifford Rupp, Florence Ericson, Raymond Rupp, and Mary Lou Hald.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen Mae Benson, please visit our floral store.