Obituary of Kayleen May Hillestad Benson

On October 9, 2013 Kayleen May Hillestad Benson passed from this life to be with her Lord and Savior. Kayleen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, and friend. Born to the union of I.A. and Dorothy Hillestad on July 22, 1949 in Huron, South Dakota, she resided in Clarks, Louisiana. Kayleen was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hines "Bink" Benson and Leatrice Benson, and brother-in-law, Roy Tharp. Kayleen is survived by her husband of 43 years, Glynn Melvin Benson. Her parents I.A. and Dorothy Hillestad. Two children, Monica Elaine Stuart and husband, James, and Eric Vander Benson and wife, Crystal. 5 grandchildren whom she absolutely adored, Dallas Breanne Stuart, James Rezin "Reece" Stuart, Aydyn Michael Stuart, Eric Dewayne Benson, and Lynzee Marie Benson. A sister, Shirley Tharp, and a brother, Roger Hillestad and wife Flora. A host of nieces and nephews and her best friend Rena Tidwell, Kevin and Missy Conner and children, and Charlene "Bug" Allen and son. Kayleen May Hillestad will truly be missed, as a day never went by that her light did not brighten someone's day. Pallbearers will be Eric V. Benson, Eric D. Benson, James R. Stuart, Duane Reitzell, Robert Pearson, Marshall Fraiser, and Tommy Tharp. Honorary Pallbearers will be Reece Stuart, Aydyn Stuart, Ricky Grant, Bryan Girod, Sam Tidwell, Kevin Conner, Johnny Edgar, Shelby Cruse, J.R. Carnahan, and Bob Purvis. Funeral service for Mrs. Benson will be at 3:00 PM Friday, October 11, 2013 from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Columbia. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 PM till 9:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Old Bethel Cemetery in Clarks.