Benskin, Mary Ann (Robinson) 1900-1990

ROBINSON, BENSKIN, WHEELER, DOUT

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 3/5/2005 at 17:04:31

Mary Ann Benskin

Laurel - Mary Ann Robinson Benskin, 90, of Rt. 1, Box 61, Laurel, a longtime resident of the Laurel community, died Friday evening, Nov 2, at her home of Alzheimer's Disease. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Laurel United Methodist Church. The Rev. Terri Lin Elder pastor of the church, will conduct services. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Laurel. Visitation with the family was held Sunday at the Wallace-Pence Funeral Home in Newton. Memorials to the Laurel United Methodist Church or the Kellogg Historical Society may be left at the funeral home or at the church.

Survivors are her husband, Harley, a son, Dale of Marshalltown, a daughter, Virginia (Mrs. Jack) Dout of Colorado Springs, Colo.; five grandsons, a step-grandson; three great-grandchildren; and four step- great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Earl, in infancy, a brother, Clarence Robinson, and a brother, Lee Robinson, in infancy. Mrs. Benskin, a homemaker, was a member of the Barrett Homemakers Club, an active member of the Laurel United Methodist Church, was a charter member of the Kellogg Historical Society and was a member of the Jasper County Historical Society.

The daughter of Charles W. and Naomi Wheeler Robinson, she was born June 25, 1900 in Reasnor, attended the Mariposa rural school and in 1917 was Iowa State spelling champion. As champion she was presented a U.S. flag which she donated to the Mariposa School the flag was flown over the school for many years. She married Harley Roosevelt Benskin Aug 25, 1926 in Newton. Mrs. Benskin had resided in Laurel proper for six years. ~ Newton [IA] Daily News Nov. 2, 1990