Georgia Benson, age 101, of New Rockford, ND, died Friday, January 14, 2011, at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford.

Georgia was born June 4, 1909 at Raymond, SD, the daughter of George and Ella (Hurlbert) Merbach. Her father passed away before she was born and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Otto.

At a very early age she moved with her family to rural Juanita where she grew up and graduated from high school. She attended Valley City State College and got her teaching certificate. She taught for several years in various schools in North Dakota, including her last teaching job at Juanita Public School. On June 4, 1932 she was united in marriage to Roy Nelson in Carrington, ND. Roy died on January 6, 1961. She married Albert Benson in February of 1965 in Grace City. He died in October of 1973.

Georgia quit teaching when her husband, Roy bought the grocery store in Juanita where she was also the postmaster until her retirement in 1981.

Roy and Georgia had three children; two sons Roger and Larry, and one daughter Arlyss Lesmeister.

Georgia was always a hard worker and known for her beautiful flower gardens. After entering the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd she still had her flowers and even at 101 took care of her plants, crocheted, played cards and read. Her great joy was when there was music at the Home and she could “dance� in her wheel chair.

Georgia is survived by her daughter, Arlyss Lesmeister, New Rockford, and a daughter-in-law, Ilene Nelson, Carrington, ND, 10 grandchildren; Pat (Bonnie) Lesmeister, Lake Havasu City, AZ, LeAnn (Michael) Tennyson, Minot, ND, Kevin Lesmeister, Jamestown, ND, Greg (Tita) Lesmeister, New Rockford, Tim (Laverne) Lesmeister, Lisbon, ND, Cheryl Paulson, Bismarck, ND, Shirley (Jeff) Malarky, Devils Lake, ND, Karen (Lynn) Flemmer, Barlow, ND, Kathy Nelson, Carrington, ND, Debra (Chad) Whetham, Jamestown, ND, 18 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, two sons, Roger and Larry Nelson, step father, five half sisters and one half brother.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd Chapel, New Rockford, ND

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 2:30 PM

BURIAL: Grace City Cemetery, Grace City, ND