Emma Pauline Benson was born July 2, 1937 in Missoula, Montana, to Sam and Ella Bignell. She died September 29, 2021 at home, surrounded by family and friends.
Pauline graduated from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge in 1955. While attending high school she stayed in Deer Lodge returning home to Helmville on the weekends. Quite an adventure for a gal from a small town. She was FFA Queen in 1955.
After high school, Pauline attended business college for a year in Missoula and she worked for Vocational Rehabilitation in Helena.
On September 20, 1958, she married Bruce Benson at St. Thomas Catholic church in Helmville. Pauline met Bruce while roller skating in Ovando with her older brother Sam.
In 1960, Pauline started a Birthday Club in Avon, which is still going today.
Pauline was known for raking hay with a team of horses. She did this for many years while raising her girls. She also cooked for the hay crew.
She had many interests. From being a good shot with a .22, taking care of her share of the gopher and woodchuck population, or playing pinochle with the ladies. She enjoyed traveling, taking a pilgrimage seeing seven countries, a cruise on the Columbia River, and to the San Juan Islands. She enjoyed celebrating holidays often hosting get-togethers with family and friends.
She was a devoted member of St. Theodores Catholic Church in Avon.
Pauline had a wonderful sense of humor.
Pauline is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bruce Benson. Daughters Ev Benson and Val Benson of Avon. Grandchildren Sarah Parks, Laurel, Beth (Noah) Carpenter, and Leigh Parks (Kevin Boucher fiancée), Billings, sisters-in-laws Lou (Bignell) Tavenner, Avon, Eva Browning, Great Falls, and Georgia Bignell, Helmville. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews and many good friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Sam and Gerald Bignell, her sister and brother-in-law Betty Lou and Gerald Fleming. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Fred and Dot Benson, Cliff and Doris Benson, Betty and Jim Monroe, and brother-in-law Telford Browning.
The family would like to thank the Avon Ambulance QRU for their repeated care and support of Pauline these past few months. Memorials may be sent to Avon Ambulance QRU or the Avon Cemetery Association.
A Viewing is set for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., at the church. Burial will be held at the Avon Cemetery in Avon followed by a reception at the Avon Clubhouse.
Pall bearers are Tim Quinn, Sean Logan, Bruce Kleinschmidt, Leo Fleming, Jerry Fleming, and Larry Fleming. Honorary pall bearers are Jim Quigley, Jeff Janke, and Dan and Josh Senecal.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 9, 2021
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 9, 2021
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial
Following the Mass
Saturday October 9, 2021
Avon Cemetery
Highway 141
Avon, Montana 59713
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Saturday October 9, 2021
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 9, 2021
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
605 Clark St.
Deer Lodge, Montana 59722
Burial
Following the Mass
Saturday October 9, 2021
Avon Cemetery
Highway 141
Avon, Montana 59713
Share
Deb & Rich Hendrix says
Oh Evelyn, Val and Bruce, Sending our heartfelt condolences. Your mom was one of the special ones … always had time for a visit and always had a smile on her face. So sorry we will not make it to the funeral … we will be out of state. Hugs to all!❤️
Marilyn murphy says
Dear Bruce,Val,Evelyn
So sorry to hear of Pauline passing away. She was always someone I looked for at a gathering to visit and have a chuckle. She was a sweet lady. Please accept our condolences.
Bill and Marilyn Murphy
Tom&Debby Corrigan says
Dear Evelyn, Val, and Bruce, prayers for comfort, strong memories,and quiet time with family. We miss her smile and sense of humor. Hold the joy and her faith close. Love you. Tom and Debby.
Joni says
My heart is broken with this news. Such a kind person always with a smile. Pauline was one in a million. The Benson family has a very special place in my heart .
My thoughts are with you.
Joni Ames (Weston)
Russ & MJ Hall says
Evelyn, So very sorry and saddened with the news of your Mom’s passing. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Mitchell says
Evelyn and I went to beauty college together. Pauline came in to get a perm from Evelyn and she put the perm solution on and then took the rods out. She forgot to put the neutralizer on. The instructors made her put all the rods back in (it takes a long time when you’re first starting!) and then neutralize her hair. I think Pauline spent the entire day with us. She was a trooper! She and Bruce were always kind to me and welcomed me into their family.
Randi Nielsen Kisiel says
Bruce, Ev and Val,
Thinking of you all today with sadness. I know the sorrow of losing a mother. May you remember her always with love and laughs as she had such a great sense of humor. Peace and love to you all!
Luisa (Louise) Benson Heizer says
Dear Uncle Bruce, Evelyn and Valerie,
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I read the lovely obituary. I don’t remember ever seeing Aunt Pauline without her giving everyone a cheerful smile and encouraging words. What a blessing that she passed on the Feast of the Archangels! I wish I lived closer, but will continue to keep all of you in my prayers, especially this Saturday.
Lori & Mike Johns says
We are so very sorry. Pauline was always a ray of sunshine and touched the lives of everyone she knew. Bruce she lives on here on Earth through your two beautiful daughters who are so much like her. Val and Evelyn, I know how very hard it is to lose a special mom such as yours. They are our rocks and we fill lost without them. As time passes, you will feel her presence, and hear her advice that she had given you over the years. She is in a very special place in Heaven. Unfortunately, we are out of town this weekend and will not be able to attend the service, but want you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.