Marian H. Griffin Benson, 93, of Branson, Mo., passed quietly away on March 20 surrounded by her loving family.
Marian was born in Clinton, Ia. Feb. 25, 1916 to Dr. Henry J. and Marguerite W. Heusinkveld, Jr. She graduated with a degree in economics from Carlton College, Northfield, Minn. in 1937. She married C. Vincent Griffin while they were working together on the Manhattan Project on Sept. 14, 1943. After the war they settled in Cedar Rapids, Ia. where they operated Griffin Hardware and Garden Center until Vince’s death in 1959, when she continued to run the business on her own.
She married Frank Benson from Chula Vista, Cal. in 1964 and lived in Chula Vista for the next 33 years. She and Frank enjoyed their travels in their motor home, visiting all 50 states, all the Canadian Provinces, and a trip to Australia/New Zealand where they rented a motor home to tour. After Frank’s death she moved to Branson, Mo. in 1998 where her son Hank lives.
She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, most recently the First Presbyterian Church of Branson. She was a 72-year and “life” member of PEO and belonged to Chapter JR in Branson. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Marian enjoyed traveling, doing needlepoint, playing golf and tennis (in her younger days), reading, her church, and visiting family and friends.
Marian was predeceased by her parents; sister, Marguerite H Barnes; husband, C. Vincent Griffin; and husband, Frank Benson.
She is survived by her son, Hank Griffin of Branson/Hollister; daughter, Kathi Wall and husband Stanley of Bristol; grandchildren, Sky Hartley, Paul Hartley and wife Meghann, Tiffany Lawrence and husband Chris, John Griffin and Daniel Devonshire; five great-grandchildren, Cody and Britni Hartley, Jacob and Noah Lawrence and Isaiah Garza; two nieces; two nephews; numerous cousins and their families; and very special friend and caregiver, Joni Johnson of Rockaway Beach, Mo.
Memorial service to celebrate her life 6:30 p.m., Mon., March 23 at the Old Stone Church, behind the First Presbyterian Church, Main St., Branson. Internment will be at the family plot in Clinton, Iowa this summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Cancer Society.
