Carol Benson, age 80, of Mahnomen, MN, formerly of Twin Valley, MN, died Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND.

Carol Jean, the daughter of Olender and Minnie (Jacobson) Lien, was born on January 23, 1944, at home near Borup, MN. She attended early elementary school in Borup, and after moving with her family to the Faith area, she went to Twin Valley High School.  She met the love of her life, Arthur Benson, Jr., and they were united in marriage on July 24, 1960. The couple made their life together for nearly 59 years east of Twin Valley. Together they raised their six children plus a bonus daughter, Renee Ek, and continued to care for their grandchildren as the family grew. When her children were little, Carol began her career at the Twin Valley Living Center. She started with the laundry department and later earned her CNA certification. Carol worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for nine years until a back injury forced her retirement. In the mid-1980's Carol worked at Pump 24-Cenex gas station in Mahnomen, MN. At the age of 56, Carol was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, which she bravely fought and had been a proud survivor for over 20 years. In 2012, Carol and Art moved into Mahnomen. Following Arthur's death in 2019, Carol remained in Mahnomen as she loved living in town and was very proud of her home. Carol was an excellent baker and spent many hours in the kitchen. She was especially known for her buns, lefse, and caramel rolls. Carol always had treats when the kids got off the bus and made homecooked comfort foods that warmed both the stomach and the heart. She loved to play Bingo and never missed her Friday Night game in Gary, MN with friends. She also liked to play cards, go to the casino, and made many wonderful memories on their family trip to Las Vegas. Carol felt very honored to meet famous performers at the Shooting Star, of whom her favorite was Charlie Pride. Over the years, she also was known for her dedication to watching her favorite shows, Murder She Wrote and Sewing with Nancy. More recently, Carol liked to pass the time playing games on her tablet and reading. Carol had a stoic sense of humor, a tender smile, and a contagious laugh. She loved everyone in her life, but truly cared for those who were broken and hurting. Her compassion touched many and she will be held close to their hearts forever.

Carol is survived by two sons: Robert and Rodney (Tammy), all of Mahnomen; five daughters: Becky (Shane) DeSautel of Lake Park, MN, Connie (John) Radtke of Fosston, MN, Carla (Samuel) Blattenbauer of Lake Park, and Nancy Benson of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Renee Goodin of Ada, MN; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Joyce Montplaisir of Mesa, AZ; sisters-in-law: Donna Lee of Hendrum, MN, Kathy Lien of Lakeland, FL, and Arvilla Lien of Alexandria, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Art; seven siblings: Orva (Walter) Johnson, Myrtle (Manford) Larson, Gladys (John) Frerichs, Mavis (Cy) Flicek, Lloyd Lien, Milo Lien and Shirley (Ted) Kaiser; an infant brother and an infant sister; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arlin and Helen Benson, and a brother-in-law, Sherman Lee.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a prayer service starting at 6:30 pm, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 am, with visitation continuing an hour before, at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Burial will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.