Helen Benson, 97, of Bisbee, ND, passed away January 4th, 2013 at the Towner County Medical Center in Cando, ND.

Helen M.J. Benson was born June 27th, 1915 to Herman and Mathilda (Thue) Dressen in rural Rugby, ND. Helen married Edwin B. Benson on October 21, 1934, and they lived on their farm in rural Bisbee, ND until the passing of Edwin on May 16th, 1982.  Helen remained on the farm until 1985 when she moved into Cando, ND. For the past 10 years she had been a resident of the Cando Living Center until December 8th when she was transferred to the Towner County Medical Center.

Helen and Ed had four children; Nona Berg, Ardis Hunter, David Benson and Hilman Benson, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Helen was a member of the Cando Lutheran Church for many years, the Lunde Ladies Aid and the Lutheran Quilting group.  Helen was known for her kind heart and gracious hospitality.  The welcome mat was always out for anyone who came by.  That was time for a good visit, coffee and fresh baked pastries and, of course, a hot meal if company stopped by at that time of day.

One of Helen's passions was quilting.  All of her family members had at least one of her quilts, and her grandchildren were sure to have a newly made one when they went off to college.  For several years she furnished quilts to the Indian Mission at Spirit Lake.

She is survived by her children, 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, brother Howard Dressen, and sister-in-law Audrey Dressen. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four sisters, one brother and two son-in-laws.

VISITATION : Friday, January 11th, 2013 at the Dunnigan Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND from 5 to 7 PM.

PRAYER SERVICE: Friday, January 11th, 2013 at the Dunnigan Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND at 7 PM.

SERVICE : Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at the Cando Lutheran Church in Cando, ND at 2:00 PM with visitation starting 1 hour before service.

BURIAL: Halling Cemetery in rural Bisbee, ND in the spring.