Ruth Benson was born September 2, 1920 to Walter and Christine Powell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  She passed away early Friday morning May 26^th.  She had a very active childhood playing baseball, basketball and roller skating.  She met her future husband, Dean Benson, at a basketball game where she watched him play.  They were a consistent couple for several years before they married in Monroe, Louisiana on July 6, 1943 while Dean was on temporary leave from the army.  Ruth attended Sioux Falls College and finished at Yankton College where she got a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.  She taught at Custer High School for a year before her marriage.  Ruth taught math for many years at West Junior High and Stevens High School at Rapid City, South Dakota.  In retirement Dean and Ruth enjoyed many hobbies including boating, fishing, rock hounding, bridge and travel.  They made many friends everywhere they lived.  Both were loving parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.  Ruth is survived by son Richard Benson (wife Shiping and daughter Micky), daughter Kathy Doto, granddaughter Pam Jones (husband Rik), great-granddaughter Alison Jones and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by husband Dean Benson, sister, Alta Muchow, and her parents.  Services will take place Monday, June 5^th at 10:30 at the chapel at Einan’s Funeral Home.