Donna Benson

Donna was born July 3, 1927, in Livingston, Montana.  She was the oldest daughter of Raymond C. and Beatrice J. (Bowles) Cramm.  She was a graduate of Park County High School, Class of 1945.  After graduating high school, she went on to beauty school and worked many years as a beautician at Wanda’s Beauty Shop. 

On September 20, 1947, she married Robert A. Benson at Pine Creek Methodist Church south of Livingston. This marriage was blessed with three boys, Benny, Bobby, and Jeff.  Donna lived in Livingston until 2017, then she resided at The Springs in Whitefish, MT until her passing.

Donna loved to play cards and belonged to too many pinochle and bridge clubs to count.  She also loved to play golf and sometimes would play 36 holes a day, walking each round.  She loved playing golf with her “daddy” and three boys.  Donna was always giving all she could to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, knitting, and petti point.  A terrific cook and baker, she was constantly asking “what do you want to eat.” She loved hosting the entire family for holidays and family celebrations.  

Her survivors include two sons Bob (Mona) of Whitefish, MT and Jeff (Teddi) of Billings, MT; daughter-in-law Shirley Jensen of Whitefish, MT; seven grandchildren, Tara, Jeff, Andy, Ashlee, Joshua (Heather), Brittany (Dave), and Jennee (Chase); seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her son, Benny; her sister, Carol; and twin grandsons.

If so desired, memorials may be directed to American Lutheran Church, PO Box 1259 Livingston, MT  59047 or Enhabit Hospice, 42 Bruyer Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, November 16th at the Franzen-Davis Funeral Chapel from 12:00 p.m., until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Livingston.

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