June Kellaway Benson
June 10, 1928 – September 30, 2024
June Kellaway Benson, aged 96, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2024, in Spokane Valley, WA. Born on June 10th, 1928, in Burwell, Cambridge, England she was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents Eliza and Harry Parr and had acherished relationship with her Aunt Elsie and Uncle Reginald Turner.
June met her adoring husband Ross at the age of 15 at a Valentine’s Day dance while he was stationed as a soldier with the Army in southeast England in 1944. Their affection grew and soon after they became engaged, but June’s grandmother, believing her too young, required Ross to return to the United States. A year later, with her grandmother’s permission, Ross returned to England and the two were married. Togetherthey voyaged across the Atlantic returning to Ross’s family in Malad, ID.
In 1949 they returned to England, where Ross established a successful career with the Army/Air Force Exchange Service. The two of them traveled extensively for Ross’s career making homes throughout Europe, Africa, and across the states. In 1974 they settled in Tremonton, Utah and later made Pleasant View, Utah their home.
Wherever June lived, her warmth and charm endeared her to those around her. She had a gift of connecting with others. She loved everyone she encountered and was quick to make friends, never hesitating to share her affection and kindness. She truly made a conscious decision to love everyone.
A talented painter and skilled in needlework, June’s artistic abilities brought beauty into the lives of those around her. Her creative spirit shone brightly through her scenic oil paintings that captured the beauty of nature. Her many knitting projects demonstrated her incredible talent as well as her generous heart as she was always gifting her cherished works of art.
June enjoyed ballroom dancing from an early ageand especially enjoyed dancing with Ross. Early in their relationship, she was thrilled to learn a new “American” dance from him – the jitterbug. It was common to find them swinging hand in hand, cheek to cheek, or floating across the floor in a waltz as they hummed the notes of their favorite tunes. June also took up hula dancing on one of their Hawaiian vacations and happily performed the hula at talent shows throughout her life.
In addition to family, friends, and creativity, June was deeply devoted to her church and community, where she found joy and purpose in serving others. She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she held many callings. June had a strong testimony of the gospel and faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Above all else, June adored her husband Ross, and their love story was one of undying devotion. She has missed him dearly these last 9 years and was anxious to be reunited with her sweetheart.
June was preceded in death by her darling husband, Ross Benson, and her Beloved son, Dion (Carolyn) Benson. She is survived by her son Brent Benson; her granddaughter Stephanie (Kirk) Fuhriman; her grandsons Michael (Kacie) Benson, Levi (Melissa) Burke, Miles Burk, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Also, many friends throughout the world who loved her no matter the distance between them.
June Kellaway Benson will be remembered for her elegance, grace, and loving heart. She made the world brighter simply by being in it. Her legacy of love and friendship will be cherished by all who knew her. She was truly and angel on earth and will be greatly missed.
A graveside service to honor June’s life will be held in Malad City Cemetery in Malad, Idaho on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to June’s many friends at Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village, Fields Senior Living’s cherished staff that became family, Gentiva hospice’s loving caregivers, and Horsley Funeral Home for their guidance and support during this time.