Our beloved mother Joan Benson, age 88, passed away peacefully in her home in Helena, Montana on September 12, 2021 surrounded by family. Joan was a member of the Helena community since 1959 and an OB-GYN nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital for over 35 years.
Joan was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on January 16, 1933 to Charles and Amy Roberts. Amy was a school teacher at multiple schools in Montana and Wyoming and Charles was the manager of Gambles Hardware stores in Greybull, Sheridan and Billings.
A graduate of Greybull High School in 1950, Joan wished they had female sports in those days as she was a lifelong sports enthusiast. Instead, she was a loyal member of the band and an enthusiastic cheerleader.
At an early age she knew that she loved caring for people, especially children, and decided to become a nurse. After graduating from nursing school in 1954 from Montana State University she became an RN. During nursing school, she met her future husband Jack, through a mutual friend. It did not take them long to plan their future. Jack and Joan were married in Billings in the summer of 1954 and enjoyed a great love affair for over 56 years until Jack’s passing in 2010. We hardly remember a day when the two of them were not together.
In the early years of their marriage, Jack’s work with the Montana Highway Department took them to eastern Montana (Broadus, Hammond and Lame Deer). Their first son Dan was born in Billings in 1955. With a transfer for Jack to Helena and nursing jobs at St. John’s Hospital and then St. Peter’s Hospital for Joan, they made their permanent home in Helena in 1959. Dave joined the team in 1960.
Joan would go on to lead the OB-GYN Department for many years and become a mentor, teacher and friend to so many nurses and doctors with whom she had the pleasure to work with during her career. At least four generations of children born at St. Peter’s held our mom’s hand when they came into this world. In her estimate she assisted in over 3,000 births.
One of her greatest honors was being recognized for her work at St. Peter’s at her retirement dinner in 1993.
Growing up in Helena, it made us proud when people asked if we were related to that “nice nurse at St. Peter’s”.
Joan was a faithful supporter of all our activities as kids (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc.) and any other school-related endeavors in which we took part. Our parents never missed an event that we were involved in! Joan may have seemed nice and reserved at work but, boy could she scream and holler at an athletic event. After we graduated from high school, she still carried that support to anything we did.
She also became a huge football fan of her Denver Broncos and later in life was an avid fan of tennis. She was truly in love with Rafael Nadal.
We could not pay tribute to Joan without mentioning her love of cats and the care and fostering she provided to over 40 of them during her life. She was known as a cat lady to many and we believe since she was no longer working at the hospital, she replaced the children with cats!
Joan is survived by her two sons, Dan (Sandi) of Helena and Dave (Claire) of Denver, Colorado.
In addition, we would like to recognize the countless nurses and doctors who worked with Joan over the years. A special heartfelt thank you also goes to her caretaker for the last five years, Cindy Gilbert.
A graveside celebration for Joan will be held at the Fort Harrison Cemetery at 11:00AM on Friday October 15, 2021. A reception will be held at NCO Club at Fort Harrison following the celebration for family, friends and those who had fond memories of Joan. Memorials may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society or Hospice of St. Peter’s if so desired.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 15, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Friday October 15, 2021
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Bill Stephenson says
Dan and Sandy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mom. Thoughts and prayers are with all of.
Paul Martello says
Dan,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady and will be missed. Keep all her memories close to your heart. She’s now in a better place and no more pain.
Linda Netschert says
Dan, I am so sorry. Joan was a great lady. Thinking of you.
Sandi Meyers says
I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful mother. Your mother and my mother, Cecelia Sangray, worked together for many years. Joan helped Dr. Whitesitt deliver my middle daughter and I named her after both of them! She was a great nurse and a very special ” go shopping every Friday” friend to my mother! Now they can go to lunch and shopping again! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Phyllis Gilreath says
Sandi and Dan so sorry to hear about Joan. She was a great nurse. She was always so helpful and kind. She will be missed
Teresa & Jay Lightbody says
Dan and Sandi,
We are so sad to just hear this news of Joan’s passing! We will always hold Joan in our hearts. She was a doll and such a great friend to Jay’s mom, Pat. Those two could talk on the phone for hours. What a special woman. We pray for peace in your hearts and hope you can feel the love being sent your way.
Steve and Jeri Mosby says
Dan, Jeri and I are so sad to hear of Joan’s passing she was just the best. And is now in a better place. She was always a people person and I loved working with her for a lot of years. You are a wonderful son be strong and take care.
James Maher says
It was my good fortune to have known and worked with Joan. She will be missed. My condolences to all who have known and loved her.
Leo Rogge says
Dan,
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mother. May your memories of her always give you comfort.
Denise Backstrom says
Dan & David. I used to work at St Peters years ago & got to know your mom very well. She always talked about you boys, I felt Like I knew you although at that time I had never met either of you. Joan came with me for both of the deliveries of my boys in ’72 & ’74. she was very special to me. Then I found out later that she lived next door to Betty my husbands cousin. I would visit with her when I could. I did get to know you Sandy & then you Dan from the DOR. That all seems so long ago now. Please know you are in my thoughts. Always remember the happy times. hugs
Alex Ostberg says
Dan and family. We are so sorry for your loss. I think I only met your folks a couple of times, one time that I recall, I was helping Dan move some furniture. I remember how nice they were. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families now at this time. Cherish the memories you have and find comfort in those memories. Sending hugs and warm wishes your direction. Alex, Michelle, and the Kiddos
Linnea Blair says
I just now came across this. I loved your parents – thought very highly of both of them. And you guys were one of my favorite baby sitting jobs! Our block of 6th Avenue was just the best place to grow up, and your family was a big part of that.
Your mom was quite a classy, good and fun lady. I hope this finds you and yours well, and I ‘m sorry for your loss.
Best, Linnea (Anderson) Blair