Sharon Benson

Rock Rapids, IA

     Sharon Benson, age 81 of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Rock Rapids, IA passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

     Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 11^th at Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, with Rev. Alex Sloter officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

     Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday, July 11^th at Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids.

   Sharon Kaye Benson was born February 13, 1939 to Kenneth and Helen (Caine) Starns in Curtis, NE. They moved several places in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota during her childhood. Sharon graduated from Washington High School in 1957 and then attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, SD. After graduation, Sharon worked as a legal secretary for Dana Golden, Moore & Rasmussen. On March 6, 1960, Sharon married Duane Veryl Benson. They made their home on a family farm west of Rock Rapids, IA until 1984 when they moved to southern California. They also had a home in Monument, CO for several years. In 2018, they moved back to the Midwest where they lived in Rock Rapids before moving to Grand Living in Sioux Falls, SD. Sharon passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 81.

   Sharon worked as a nurse’s aide for Lyon Manor in Rock Rapids for many years and she also worked as Director of Assisted Living Department at Island Christian Home in California. Duane and Sharon enjoyed traveling and being with their friends and family.

Sharon was a member of the PEO Sisterhood her whole life. She loved cooking and the farm life. Sharon had an ability to connect with people where she made a huge group of lifelong friends. Most of all, she treasured and celebrated her children and grandchildren.

   Survivors include her husband, Duane, of 60 years; three daughters, Lori (Rob) Wilson, of Eastvale, CA; Teri Roach (fiancé, Dave McGill) of Omaha, NE; Susan (Mark) Katt of Esko, MN; eight grandchildren, Desiree (Irvin) Villanueva, Brandon Wilson, Brittany Wilson, Tyler (Brooke) Roach, Tara Roach, Trevor (Stephanie) Roach, Mitchell Katt, and Kailee Katt (fiancé, Kory Deadrick); and three great-grandchildren.

   In addition, Sharon was proceeded in death by her parents; younger sister, Wanda Faye (Judy) Trautman; and son-in-law, Tom Roach.