Obituary of Shirley L. Benson

Shirley Lavon Benson, 68, of Dowagiac passed away at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Shirley was born on May 24, 1947, to the late Stephen H. and Anna R. (Simpson) Ivey in Mammoth Springs, Ark. She married the love of her life, Michael Benson on Feb. 24, 1968, at a ceremony in Eau Claire. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and time spent working in the yard and gardening. Shirley enjoyed camping and fishing with her family and friends during the summer, and spoiling her dog, Archie. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen H. and Anna R. Ivey; son, Joshua D. Benson; brothers, John E. Sullender and Donald W. Sullender. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Michael E. Benson; son, Michael E. (Stacey) Benson Jr.; grandchildren: Monique D. Williams, Ashton D. Benson and Aiden A. Benson; sisters, Barbara A. Fryman and Mary Ivey; brother, Steven Ivey. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2016, with a time of gathering one hour prior at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles.