Evelyn Fay Benson (Fay), 90 years old, left this world before the sun kissed the sky on the early morning of October 15th, 2020. She was surrounded by loving caregivers at the Good Samaritan home in Bottineau while family around the country held her in their hearts as they ached to be by her side. She was undoubtedly welcomed to heaven with a long-awaited embrace from her dear beloved Swain.

A family funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 701 Main St, Bottineau in the near future, and Fay will be laid to rest at the Melankton Cemetery following service.

Fay was born in Rugby, North Dakota on December 18th, 1929 to Gladys Flowers and John Green and was the second of four children. She grew up in Upham and at 12 years of age started working as a pin setter and waitress in her father's bowling alley, where she no doubt honed the aptitude for conversation that she was known for. She graduated from Upham High School in May of 1947 and directly thereafter went on to attend Minot Business college where she earned a secretarial certificate. She married Asmundur Swain Benson, the love of her life, one week after her 18th birthday. They welcomed their first child, Asmundur Swain II in 1950 and in two year intervals thereafter had Allan, Sheila (Bertsch), Melanie (Olson), Brad, and Chris. In 1954 Swain and Fay bought their home in Bottineau where the family she so lovingly raised would create memories for over 60 years. Her family grew to include 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each new addition adding endless pride. She found pleasure in driving and happily traveled any length to attend athletic events, music concerts, graduations, and birthdays; eager to celebrate each milestone and document them with plenty of photos.

If there was one thing of equal importance to Fay as her family, it was the peace she found through faith. Fay was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church where she was a sunday school teacher, a dedicated philosopher in Bible study, and one of the first women to serve on the church council. Her faith also translated to service in Al-Anon where for many years she supported families, including her own, navigate the difficult territory of addiction and forgiveness.

Truly an artist, Fay's talents and love extended to dance, music, nature, and travel. She was a woman of style and elegance, even adorning her walker with floral accessories when she had an unexpected injury before grandson Swain's wedding. She was known in Bottineau as "the hat lady". Fay was a self-taught photographer documenting the serene beauty and wildlife of the prairie and the wonders she witnessed on her travels to Norway, Iceland, Hawaii and Alaska. Her favorite subject was family, whom she gifted with untold volumes of photo albums filled with cherished memories. Of all her talents, the greatest may have been her friendship and compassion. She genuinely delighted in keeping up with loved ones through the art of telephone calls and beautifully handwritten notes. There was no conversation with her that was not sprinkled with laughter due to her life-saving sense of humor and joy. She was a gift to all who knew her.

Left to honor Fay and remember her love are her children Swain (Kathy) Benson, Allan Benson, Sheila (Donovan) Bertsch, Melanie (Conrad) Olson; and Chris Benson; grandchildren Swain Benson (Leah), Brooke Benson, Laura Benson, Nancy Galligo, Luke Benson, Erica Wiisenan (Matt), Megan Mitzel (Anthony), Brenna Orstad (Carl), Erik Olson, Nicole Demarco, Tess Doohen (Dan), Moriah Morrison (Danny), Quentin (Alexis) Olson, Ashly Benson, Travis LaRoque, Cole LaRoque, Reachel Benson, and Sky Benson; sister-in-law Evangeline Benson Schultz; and many beloved great-grand-children, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fay was preceded in death by her sweet boy, Brad, her treasured granddaughter, Sarah, and her husband, Asmundur Swain Benson.

Memorials in Fay's memory can be sent to First Lutheran Church, Bottineau, or Melankton Icelandic Cemetery, Upham.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net .