June 20, 1935 — April 14, 2016
Our loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Peggy Lee Harward Benson, age 80, passed peacefully from this life on April 14, 2016, in St. George, Utah from cause’s incident to age. Peggy was born in Aurora, Utah on June 20, 1935, to William Ritch and Mabel Ogden Harward. She was the second child in a family of four children. Her love for her parents, two sisters Marilyn (Gerald) Davis, Karen Young, and brother Brian (Ilene) Harward was apparent whenever they were together.
Peggy attended Richfield High School and achieved high marks academically. She loved her group of friends in school known as the “Solar System” sisters and they got together often to enjoy each other’s company. Peggy attended Brigham Young University serving as the student body secretary and was involved in many of the school’s service clubs. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Peggy met the love of her life, James Lucius Benson, while teaching at Parowan High School. They were married on June 7, 1958, in the Manti Temple. Together Peggy and Jim shared many amazing experiences including, and most importantly, serving our Heavenly Father on three separate missions to Switzerland, Austria and in the LDS Family History Center. After their missions, they served as temple workers in the St. George temple twice a week for many years. Attending the temple faithfully was a highlight in her life. In the temple was where Peggy felt the closest to her Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Peggy and Jim’s marriage was one of true love and constant concern for each other’s happiness. Their devotion and pride extended to their children and cherished posterity. She is survived by her husband, siblings, and children: Mark (Allison) Benson, Stan (Lesley) Benson, Brent (Amy) Benson, Karen (Paul) McCleary, Nathan Benson, Thomas Benson, 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She treasured the time spent with each of them.
Peggy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different positions within the organization including serving as a stake relief society president for over ten years. She taught school at Parowan High school where she was loved and respected by students and faculty. She loved having an immaculate yard, home and garden and could make delicious bread that no one, to this day, (other than her own mother,) has yet to master.
Peggy’s legacy to her family is one of deep and never wavering devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served without question and sacrificed what she had to fulfill her commitments to our Heavenly Father. She worked hard at whatever task was laid before her and made sure that it was done correctly. She loved having her family around where there was lots of food, fun and games and to this day remains the (often disputed) croquet champion. Home was to be a heaven on earth, scripture study, spiritually uplifting music, and prayer along with church attendance. Her testimony of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation were always strong and never wavering. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 23, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Parowan LDS 3rd Ward Building, 90 S. Main, Parowan, Utah.
- A viewing will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016, from 6–8 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary Parowan, 15 E. 100 North, Parowan, Utah.
- On Saturday, April 23, 2016, the viewing will be held at the Church from 9:30–10:30 a.m.
- Interment will be in the Parowan Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
Arrangements have been made under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
For condolences and full can be made at Southern Utah Mortuary online.