Ruth graduated from Fresno High School in 1946 where she and her sister Jean had been active in the campus sorority that they started. In high school she was quite “the belle”, and was was written up in the Fresno High newspaper as “who would be lucky enough to be granted a date” with her. She eventually chose Carl Otto Benson as her steady in her senior year. After graduation Ruth went to work for Pacific Bell as an operator. In November, 1946, she and Carl eloped to Madera. They were married for 52 years before Carl died in December, 1998.
It’s hard to imagine that Ruth, who had no formal education in horticulture or landscape design, would have the Fresno Bee call her gardens “an island of green in a sea of brown.” Ruth’s love of gardening and design carried out over 3 acres was fully appreciated by everyone. Starting in Spring when her many varieties of Bearded Irises began to bloom, and then to keep the floral symphony going the roses, marigolds, poppies, lobelias, etc. joined in along with the trees and bushes in the background….the plant melody continued. Friends would call to come and see the gardens, hold weddings and family celebrations; the Shriners held many functions there for up to 800 people because of Ruth’s fabulous gardens.
Ruth had many interests over her lifetime, and if that new activity really caught her attention then she would enroll in adult school classes to gain further knowledge on her new hobby, i.e., lapidary, furniture building and refinishing, just to name a few. She also enjoyed crocheting, hunting for antiques, buying antique jewelry, and sewing. But, her first love was the written word. She was an avid reader! She usually was reading two books at the same time.
Finally, Ruth, loving wife, mother of five, grandmother, great grandmother, and great, great grandmother will be sorely missed by her family.
Ruth is predeceased by her husband Carl Otto Benson; son Carl Richard Benson; son Craig Steven Benson.
Ruth is survived by her children: Kathryn Jean Elliott; Christopher Marion Benson; Karen Benson Telaro and spouse Don Telaro.
Ruth is survived by her grandchildren: Tonya Evans and spouse Alan Evans; Rene Young; Kimberly DaFonte; Shanna Margain and spouse Manuel Margain; Carl Mathew Benson and spouse Vanessa Benson; Hayley Middleton and Greg Middleton; Curt Benson; Kari Rexford and spouse Shane Rexford; Jason Telaro and spouse Alexandra Telaro.
Ruth is survived by her great grandchildren: Krystal Brunton and fiancé Dylan Buno; Jessica Ryder; Sonora Covacevich and spouse Aaron Covacevich; Austin Evans; Chantelle Woods and Cody Champ; Dilin and Ryan DaFonte; Gianna and Samuel Telaro; Brandon and Cameron Margain; Lina Benson; Nolan Middleton.
Ruth is survived by her great, great grandchildren: Lionel, Liam, and Mason; Jaxon and Ayden; Elliott; Joaquin.
A Graveside Service for Ruth will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. at Clovis Cemetery , 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Benson family.
