Josephine “Jo” Benson passed away peacefully on October 7, 2022, at The Springs Assisted Living Center and is now able to join her beloved husband, Duane. She was born and raised in Butte, Montana, to Joseph (Joe) Sodja and Anne Sodja, the second of three daughters. She attended Sacred Heart primary schools and graduated from Butte High School in 1955. She married her sweetheart, Duane Benson, on September 27, 1955, which produced two children, Tom and Linda.
Jo always worked at various bookkeeping jobs until her employment at the Butte US Postal Service for the last ten years prior to retiring. We remember her always exploring her curiosity in different crafts and interests. Some of which were flying lessons in 1969, ceramic classes, woodworking classes, wool spinning, and weaving. She finally found her calling in painting, her favorite medium being watercolors. She became a juried artist by her peers and sold and traded many of her paintings. She had a special fondness for riding her Buckskin horses in the solitude of the Toll Mountain area.
After retirement, ever the adventurer, Jo and Duane were able to travel the country by vehicle to the Midwest, as far south as Texas, and as far north as Mount Denali, Alaska. They were always making friends across the country in their travels.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Anne; and her husband, Duane.
Jo is survived by her children, Tom Benson and Linda Benson; grandchildren, Justin (Megan) Benson, Kellyi Benson (Josh Kloeppel), Tom (Jennie) Horne, and Zack (Bri) Horne; and great grandchildren, Gunnar and, namesake, Josephine “Joey” Benson, Bladen and Eleye Horne, and Maci and Hallie Horne. Also surviving are her sisters, Evelyn and Carol; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
We would like to thank all those for their compassionate care for mom in these difficult, final times. A special thanks to Bonnie Guay, best friend, Beverly Malyevac, and the committed staff at The Springs Assisted Living who saw to her care for the last 6 1/2 years.
According to Jo’s wishes, a private burial will take place at a later date. Cremation services were placed in the care of Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services.
Memorials in honor of Jo are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice, although, Camp Mak-A-Dream was dear to Jo and Duane’s hearts. Camp Mak-A-Dream, PO Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806 (www.campdream.org).
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Josephine. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Josephine and her family.
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Charlene Conniston Warren says
Linda –
I am so very sorry to read of your mom’s passing.
Sally Dwyer says
Dear Linda, Tom and the entire family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, and grandmother. You are all in my thoughts! She sounded like such a wonderful woman! Thinking of you all! Love, Sally Dwyer
Bobbie Stodden says
Linda and family I am very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing and hope that fond memories will give you comfort in this difficult time.
Bobbie Stodden
Dianne Salmonsen says
Linda and Tom. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I have great memories of the years of your growing up next door on Hobson St. Your mother was such a talented lady and I still have momentos she gave me. My love and prayers are with you at this hard time. Dianne Salmonsen
Tom Jonart says
Tom and Linda so very sorry for your loss,praying for both of you.