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Dorothy Jane <I>Owens</I> Benjamin

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Dorothy Jane Owens Benjamin

Birth
Colony, Anderson County, Kansas, USA
Death
22 Apr 2014 (aged 92)
Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas, USA
Burial
Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Dorothy Jane Owens Benjamin, age 92, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at her home.

She was born on July 12, 1921, in Colony, Kansas, the daughter of Olin and Cresenz (Bush) Owens. Dorothy was raised by a mother who was later the Anderson County Superintendent of Schools. Her mother raised the four children in the family on a teacher's salary during the Depression. Dorothy began teaching at the age of 20. She taught first grade students in Garnett at Longfellow and Irving Elementary Schools for 42 years. In 1960 after beginning her teaching career on a life certificate Dorothy received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State College. One of Dorothy's principals was quoted as saying "She is just one of the most devoted, dedicated teachers I've ever been associated with in my life. She worked hard in the classroom to instill good manners and classroom behavior. She's really touched thousands of lives."

She joined P.E.O. on May 28, 1954 and remains a member to this date. She has served in all offices, holding the office of President twice. Dorothy was a member of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association.

Dorothy was united in marriage to Leon Benjamin on June 1, 1952. They were married almost 57 years at the time of his death in 2009. Together, they farmed in Anderson County. Leon and Dorothy bought the Frank Miller farm on March 13, 1959, and farmed there for more than 55 years. Dorothy was able to spend her final year at home, due to the care and help that she received from Tracie Pretzer. Dorothy was an animal lover and had many pets over the years; she will be especially missed by her beloved canine companion of the last five years, Maggie Mae.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, William "Bill" Owens; two sisters, Mary Owens Thompson and Frances Owens Swanson; and nephew Roger Swanson.

Dorothy is survived by nieces and nephews in Kansas, Maryland, Wyoming, Ohio, and Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapter Y P.E.O. or to the National Kidney Foundation and may be left in care of the funeral home, Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, PO BOX 408, Garnett, KS 66032.
Dorothy Jane Owens Benjamin, age 92, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at her home.

She was born on July 12, 1921, in Colony, Kansas, the daughter of Olin and Cresenz (Bush) Owens. Dorothy was raised by a mother who was later the Anderson County Superintendent of Schools. Her mother raised the four children in the family on a teacher's salary during the Depression. Dorothy began teaching at the age of 20. She taught first grade students in Garnett at Longfellow and Irving Elementary Schools for 42 years. In 1960 after beginning her teaching career on a life certificate Dorothy received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State College. One of Dorothy's principals was quoted as saying "She is just one of the most devoted, dedicated teachers I've ever been associated with in my life. She worked hard in the classroom to instill good manners and classroom behavior. She's really touched thousands of lives."

She joined P.E.O. on May 28, 1954 and remains a member to this date. She has served in all offices, holding the office of President twice. Dorothy was a member of the Pittsburg State University Alumni Association.

Dorothy was united in marriage to Leon Benjamin on June 1, 1952. They were married almost 57 years at the time of his death in 2009. Together, they farmed in Anderson County. Leon and Dorothy bought the Frank Miller farm on March 13, 1959, and farmed there for more than 55 years. Dorothy was able to spend her final year at home, due to the care and help that she received from Tracie Pretzer. Dorothy was an animal lover and had many pets over the years; she will be especially missed by her beloved canine companion of the last five years, Maggie Mae.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, William "Bill" Owens; two sisters, Mary Owens Thompson and Frances Owens Swanson; and nephew Roger Swanson.

Dorothy is survived by nieces and nephews in Kansas, Maryland, Wyoming, Ohio, and Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapter Y P.E.O. or to the National Kidney Foundation and may be left in care of the funeral home, Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, PO BOX 408, Garnett, KS 66032.


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