Armonia “Nia” DaVila Lopez Benson, age 75, of Montana City passed away Wednesday October 1, 2014 in Helena. Nia was born January 9, 1939 in Beckley, West Virginia to Pedro and Dolores Lopez, where her family owned and managed a local Café.
Nia attended school in Beckley and was admired for her quirky sense of humor. While attending school she worked at the family Café. During this time she met Roland “Ron” Benson who was stationed there in the military. They were wed on September 15, 1956 in Beckley. Their marriage was sealed in the Logan Temple, Logan Utah. She and Ron remained active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nia was a homemaker for many years. She loved her children and cherished the time spent with them. After raising her children, she worked for K-Mart here in Helena. Upon retirement she took up Genealogy and spent many hours in the Genealogy Library. Nia spent a lot of time in the mountains, taking rides, fishing and sapphire hunting. At one time she even owned a motorcycle.
Nia was one of a kind. She was very loving, kind and selfless person, who would do anything for anyone. Nia was always there for her family and friend’s day or night. At one time a friend became very sick in the middle of the night. His family would not take him to the Veterans Administrations Medical Center. He called Nia, she did not wake her husband. She responded immediately and delivered him to the VA at 2:00 a.m.
Nia is survived by her husband of 58 years, Roland “Ron” Benson of Clancy; children, Carol (Doug) Ripperger, Knoxville, Iowa, Michael (Dorrie) Benson, Centralia, Washington, Sharon Benson of Helena, David Benson of Helena; grandchildren, Tanner, Nicole, Shania, Bo, Jeremiah, Chance and Chase Benson (who plays football for the Helena High School Bengals); two great grandchildren, Skyelynne and Gabriella; Nia is also survived by her brother, Manuel Lopez of West Virginia as well as many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2014 in the Relief Society Room of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1610 6th Avenue. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 6th at the church. Interment and dedication of the grave will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison.
Please visit below to offer her family a condolence or to share a memory of Nia.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 6th Avenue
Helea, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday October 6, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1610 6th Avenue
Helea, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday October 6, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Shirley Cole says
I am so sorry to hear of Nia’s passing. I haven’t been in touch with her for quite awhile but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t think about her. She watched my children when we were the young mothers trying to make our children into good citizens. She was always welcoming and warm. Nia had such talent and always taught me so much. Rest in peace dear Nia and my deepest sympathy to her family and husband Ron. God bless you all.
Bob and Barbara Marks says
We have fond memories off camping with Nia and Ron and family in the Tizer Basn. Nia’s warm smile always radiated love. Blessings to the family.
Dolores Moran Cassity says
I was so sorry to hear of Nia’s passing. It has been many years since I last saw her. When I was kid Nia and family would come to visit us in WV. I have lots of pictures from those times. That was when Granny (Nia’s mother was still alive) I am Sallie’s (her sister’s) daughter. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Sherri Staats says
I was very sad when I read of this wonderful lady’s passing. I have very fond memories of Nia when John & I attended 1st ward with her many years ago. She was a very kind and giving woman. I know her loss will be felt by many. God’s speed Nia. You will be missed. My blessings and condolences to your family.
Pete Hanna says
Nia was such a joy to be around. Mom and I had lunch with her a few years ago. I feel a great sadness at her passing.. My sympathy for her family.
Cleo Schultz says
I was so sorry to hear of Nia’s passing. I worked with her the whole time she was at Kmart and she was always so happy and a pleasure to work with. She will be greatly missed by many. My sympathies to the entire family.
Joe and Dorothy Bogard says
Joe and I were so sorry to hear of Nia’s passing. She was a good friend and neighbor to us for many years. May God bless and bring comfort to your family at this difficult time.
Sam and Michele Belgarde says
I was very shocked and sad to hear of Nia’s passing. She was a great wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend. I loved running into her when she was out running errands. She always had a big smile on her face and always made time to chat. My son Dakota Belgarde grew up with her grandson Chase. Chase I’m sorry to her about your grandma she will be dearly missed.
Jan Lewis says
I was so sad to learn about Nia’s passing. She was always such a fun person to be around and I have many fond memories of our good old volleyball days and the Cardboard Cup Regatta project. I will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ron and family during this difficult time.
Marty Thieltges says
I’m so sorry to hear of Nia’s passing. She was a great friend to me during our times working in the Family History Center.
MISSY FORD says
RON, SHARON,CAROL, MIC, AND DAVID. I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF NIA”S PASSING. SHE WAS A VERY EXCEPTIONAL PERSON. MOTHER. FRIEND AND LADY. THROUGH OUT THE YEARS I HAVE THOUGHT OF HER SO OFTEN BEING THE KIND GENEROUS SOUL SHE IS AND THE GIVING OF HER SELF TO THE WORLD AROUND HER WITHOUT RESERVE. HER PASSION FOR HER FAMILY AND EXUBERANCE FOR LIFE WAS AS THE WORLD AND ALL IN IT SHOULD STRIVE TO LIVE THERE LIVES. I WILL CELEBRATE HER LIFE EVERY TIME I WONDER BACK IN MY MEMORIES AND I KNOW EVERYONE ELSE AS WELL IS DOING JUST THAT. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU ALL IN THIS TIME OF SADNESS. XOXOXO MISSY