Alice Benson

Alice Ann Benson, 76, passed away the morning of May 17, 2024, surrounded by her family in Bismarck, ND.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00AM, Tuesday, May 21 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00PM, Monday, May 20 at Eastgate Funeral Service.

Alice Ann Benson was born on July 2, 1947, to Philip and Susan (Bull) Benson in Elbowoods, ND. She attended Twin Buttes Elementary and graduated from Flandreau Indian School. Alice was part of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 and moved to Southern California. Alice then returned to North Dakota

Everyone who knew Alice got to experience her great heart, her boisterous laugh, and constant teasing. Her family has been hearing all the stories from family, friends and relatives that they have about Alice. 

Alice was a very educated lady. She attended Haskell University and Kanas University. She taught the Mandan language in the Twin Buttes Elementary School alongside her uncle, Edwin Benson for many years. She was very proud of her Mandan Heritage and enjoyed attending pow wows with her mother and father. Her children, Roger and Loray were both dancers in their younger years, as their mom helped them learn their culture. 

Alice was an integral part of raising Loray’s children. She currently has Lars and Leland living with her. Lars is a senior and graduating this year. The education that she helped provide them with was a tremendous accomplishment. In earlier years, both Corwin and Shania lived with her during their school years.

One of the greatest accomplishments for Alice was becoming the 2023 President of the North Dakota VFW Auxiliary. She previously held the chaplain position, vice president then the president. The VFW Auxiliary was very dear to her heart. She has spent decades working closely with the veterans’ associations. She joined the VFW Auxiliary as her father was a WWII veteran. 

Alice is survived by her son, Roger (Sherri) Benson; daughter, Loray; grandchildren, Philip Benson, Corwin Grey, Leland Shay, Lars Shay; brothers, Joseph Benson and Kirby Benson. Along with an entire town of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Philip and Susan (Bull) Benson; brothers Troy, David “Boops”; sisters, Myrna and Yvonne; granddaughter, Shania and nephews, Wendell Benson and Phillip Tecumseh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or a charity of the donor’s choice.