Date of Birth: April 22, 1936

Date of Death: February 20, 2023

Ellen Eva Benson (Rardin) of Phoenix AZ passed peacefully into eternal life at home surrounded by her loving family on February 20, 2023, at the age of 86. Ellen was born in Brainard MN on April 22, 1936, to Leonard and Adella (Burns) Rardin. One of eight children Ellen learned the value of hard work, strong family values and a strong love for Jesus, which was instilled and nurtured by her parents and the local Assemblies of God Church. She attended Motley public schools and graduated from Motley High School in 1954. After graduating she met a newly minted teacher and coach by the name of Bernon Benson, and their love story began. The couple married on June 4th, 1955, and soon after moved to Peterson Mn and began their family. A prayer warrior and the glue of the Benson family Ellen will be remembered as a hardworking, loving, and faithful wife and mother. Ellen loved the Lord and passed that love on to her children, grandchildren, and the people she met. Working in and out of the home she dedicated her life to supporting and serving her husband, children, and her community, humbly sharing of all she had. A dedicated homemaker Ellen prioritized nightly family dinners and Sunday after church lunches. She learned to take stats, film and scout opposing teams all while taking care of her own small children. She enjoyed dancing, football, and spending time with the people she loved. She made Christmas’ and holidays especially joyful with her love of cooking and entertaining. Ellen attended and graduated from Winona Area Vocational -Technical School graduating in 1965. Over the years she worked several administrative jobs. She started a career with the United States Postal Service in 1988. This was a job that she was very proud of and where she retired in 2000. It is said that…….Behind every great man is a great woman! This statement exemplifies the heart and soul of Ellen. Everyone who knew her, knew above all that she was Bernie’s biggest cheerleader, supporter, and sweetheart of 68 years. Ellen was welcomed joyously into eternal life by her Lord Jesus Christ, her father and mother Leonard and Adella, siblings Orvis, Wanda and Teddy and a host of Heavenly angles and all the relatives, friends and loved ones who were called home before her. She will be missed greatly by all who loved her, especially her husband Bernie, 6 children Gene, Joy (Jeff), Judy (Brad), JoAnne (Bobby), Jill (Don) and Jack, 13 grandchildren Kristi, Andrea, Jaime, Mary Ellen, Jacob, Benjamin, Natascha, Jason, Aaron, Jarre, Patricia, Jannis and Gabriel, sister Patricia, 3 brothers John, Martin and Leonard and a number of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones whose lives she touched. Well Done, good and faithful servant Mathew 25:21 We Love You!

Service Information

Services to be held at Atonement Lutheran Church 4001 West Beardsley Road, Glendale Az 85308 Friday March 10, 2023. 9:00-10:00 Viewing 10:00-11:00 Service 11:30-12:00 Graveside 12:00-1:00 Luncheon Atonement Lutheran Church (Immediately following graveside service)