Betty Jane Benson, beloved wife and mother, passed away after a brief illness on March 15, 2024 at the age of 89. She was born Betty Jane Ratshinske in Kenosha, WI where she spent most of her childhood. She graduated from Bradford High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison where she met her husband of 69 years, Kenneth Benson. As an Air Force wife, she and Kenneth crisscrossed the United States during his career. She completed her studies and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Psychology while raising her family.

When Kenneth retired, they settled in Albuquerque, NM, where they lived for fifty years. For twenty-five years, she worked in the Albuquerque and New Mexico ombudsman programs as an advocate for patients in nursing homes.

Betty and Kenneth loved to travel and visited all seven continents. She was a longtime member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and served as president of the Albuquerque branch for several years. She also enjoyed participating in the cuisine and book groups for many years. She excelled at sewing and made many items for her family and home as well as making quilts for the Linus Project.

Betty leaves behind her husband, Lt. Col. Kenneth A Benson (ret.); three children:  Carolyn [Dan] Schultz, Margaret [Robert] Martinez, and William Benson [Berry West]; two grandchildren, Jenn Martinez-Upchurch  [Jason Upchurch] and Sara [Josh] Hancock; and one great-grandchild, Ashley Hancock.

The family has suggested that memorial gifts be made to the American Association of University Women 4450 Education and Training Fund. (aauw.org).

Published by Albuquerque Journal on May 26, 2024.