Ellen Ophelia Benson

Ellen Ophelia Benson was born on April 9 1927 in Topeka Kansas, to George E. Newman and Mildred Stevenson. Mildred passed away from TB when Ellen was 6 months old. George remarried, Ida C. Johnson when Ellen was a teenager. As a young woman, Ellen traveled the country with her blind aunt, Aunt Jubia (Mildred's sister) who, as a PhD, would travel to universities setting up curriculum for the blind.

Ellen met William Otis Benson in Denver, Colorado while assisting her Aunt at DU in 1943. She returned to Denver and married William in 1964. William passed away in 2005. Ellen retired from the US government after 30 years and began a part-time job with the American Cancer Society.

Ellen was a treasure for the Topeka Club for many years and Campbell AME church for a short time. Ellen enjoyed all genres of music and dancing. She especially enjoyed the holidays.

She is survived by her children George Robert, Karen Ann, and James Lamont. And a host of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren. Ellen passed away quietly in her home at the age of 98, surrounded by her family.

A visitation for Ellen will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 12:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Cemetery.