Luella Morris Benson

Luella Morris Benson passed away on April 22, 2023 in Kingwood TX at the age of 96. She loved her Lord and Savior and used her life as a beautiful testament of selfless love and devotion to all who loved and knew her.

Mary Luella Morris was born on October 2, 1926 to Millard W Morris and Savilla Esther Bennett Morris in Boone, Iowa. She was the second oldest of four siblings, James, Donna, and Patricia. She spent many happy years in Boone growing up and would often tell stories of her childhood, parents and family that lived close by. She always said she felt badly for her mother because the oldest three children were so close together in age and loved to tease one another and must have been a handful!

When she was a teenager, they moved from Boone to Oklahoma where her father was working. It was in Oklahoma that she met the love of her life, Jack. Her father then moved to San Bernardino, California then sent for the family to come join him. She said California was a dream. Beautiful all the time! The family was so happy to be reunited! She attended and graduated from San Bernardino High School at the height of World War 2 while her sweetheart, Jack, was stationed in the US Navy in Dutch Harbor Alaska from 1943-1945. He was then sent to Pearl Harbor Hawaii until the end of the war and discharged in November of 1945 in San Pedro California. They remained devoted to one another during the war and wrote letters to reaffirm their commitment to each other. They married Feb 18, 1945. As soon as he was discharged, they moved to Oklahoma to be close to Jack’s parents Katherine and David Benson.

On May 22, 1947 they welcomed their first son, Jack K Benson Jr aka “ Jackie”. They welcomed their second son, David William Benson on January 24, 1954. The boys were her pride and joy embodying the best of both their parents.

Luella, Jack and the boys moved to Conroe Texas in 1954 as Jack Sr began working for a Chemical plant and later worked for Texaco Chemical until he retired in 1983. Luella worked for Sparkler Filter in Conroe where she was the Executive Secretary to the President. She worked there until she retired with over 30 years of service. She loved all the Sparkler family and had so many stories of all the shenanigans that transpired! From playing pranks on coworkers to “dust bunny blowing contests”, there was never a dull moment!

Luella enjoyed many years of family activities with one of their favorite past times being camping trips around the US with friends and family. They were seasoned RVers and belonged to camping clubs that would travel together. She even had a motorcycle license as they rode them on their camping trips!

Outside of RVing, Luella and Jack had been to Europe and to Pearl Harbor Hawaii commemorating the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. When they weren’t traveling, they loved spending time with their sons, daughters in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family and friends.

Luella lost her beloved Jack in 2011 after many years of poor health. She took care of him tirelessly never asking for assistance. He was truly the love of her life.

She spent the last years of her life involved in volunteering at the Odyssey Hospice after Jack’s passing, and she had “grief groups” as she called them, where she made some wonderful, dear friends. They were such a support and brought her such joy! She took her last big trips in her 90s with girlfriends traveling to Florida and on a cruise for her 93rd birthday! She was so happy to go on these trips!

She lived at her home they built in Conroe until she was 92 living independently and even driving! She then moved to Carriage Inn in Conroe Texas where she enjoyed all the activities and her friends.

The last few years were a struggle with the Covid restrictions and increasing health and medical issues which left her unable to do all the activities and have the socialization that she loved. It restricted her ability to live as independently as she would have liked but nonetheless, she had an unmeasured joy and always loved to laugh and have a good time. She lit up every room with her infectious smile and laugh. She was so grateful for the long and full life she had lived.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Jack K. Benson Sr, her parents Millard and Savilla Morris, in laws David and Katherine Benson, her precious siblings James Morris and Donna Johnson. She is survived by sister Patricia Summers; her wonderful sons Jack K Benson Jr and wife Alice, David W Benson and wife Patti, granddaughters Alissa Benson Ellis and husband John, Julianne Benson Coogler and husband Clint, grandsons Christopher Benson and partner Tanya, and Dustin Benson; Great grandchildren Alina Ellis, John Ellis, Brett Coogler and Camaryn Coogler along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends that meant the world to her.

She was a treasure and such a precious and fun loving person. So much could be written about her remarkable life, but it would never fully capture her life and spirit. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers over the last year, MaryAnn and Alyssa who have cared for Luella so kindly. You are appreciated more than words can express.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow after visitation on Monday beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will conclude in Garden Park Cemetery.