Carole Ruthie (Olson) Benson

Carole Ruthie (Olson) Benson 82, passed away at the “Cottages” of Ecumen Parmly LifePointes in Chisago City, MN on Wednesday June 13, 2012. Her life journey ended peacefully following years of struggles with Alzheimer’s Disease. Carole was born on March 30, 1930 in Taylors Falls, MN to Oscar and Sallie (Sedlund) Olson, the second of two daughters. She often spoke fondly of her childhood, especially life on the farm, attending Furuby School, and being raised in the Palmdale and Almelund areas. The friendships she developed during those years lasted a lifetime, and she held those precious memories deep in her heart until the end. Recounting them always made her laugh, saying “Oh, we had so much fun!” After graduating from Lindstrom Center City (“Chi Hi”) High School in 1947, Carole completed her educational requirements at Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, MN.

She enjoyed and excelled in stenography. Living in Santa Monica, CA with her sister, LoVilla, she worked for Prudential. On July 1, 1950, Carole married Charles E. Benson in a beautiful ceremony at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund, MN. To this union of 62 years were born three children; Cindy, Corby and Chris. “Charley” and Carole owned and operated the Dew Drop Inn Resort on South Center Lake in Center City, MN. The customer was always #1 and many faithful patrons became close friends during their 46 years of service. Carole truly enjoyed having fun. She loved to sing, dance, play the organ and piano, play with the grandkids and just live with a positive attitude. Most of all, she wanted others to be happy, too.

Survivors include husband Charles; children: Cindy (Tom) Huebner of Green River, WY, Corby Benson of Minneapolis, MN, and Chris (Juanita) Benson of Eagan, MN; grandchildren: Travis McDowell of Salt Lake City, UT, Trenton McDowell of San Diego, CA, Taryn (Scott) Rosenthal of Los Gatos, CA, and Arianna and Connor Benson of Eagan, MN; great grandchildren Brasher and Titan McDowell of Alpine, UT. Sister: LoVilla Lund of Phoenix, AZ; niece Melonee Lund of Miramar Beach, FL. Visitation with the family will be held Tues., June 26, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, MN and one hour prior to the service at church. The Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wed., June 27, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom, MN. A private interment will occur at a later date. Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, MN. Condolences may be left online at www.grand strandfh.com.