Rita D. Benson

Rita D. Benson, of 118 King St., passed away on Friday, July 21, 2017 at the Hart Comfort House, following a brief battle with cancer. Rita was born on June 23, 1935 in Rushford and was a daughter of Edwin W. and Doris M. Buchanan Bentley. On Jan. 9, 1954 in Olean she married her husband of 61 years, Ernest C. Benson, who predeceased her on Aug. 17, 2015. Rita was a 1953 graduate of Olean High School. She worked for Bradner's Department Store for a period of time before getting married. Rita was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Hinsdale. She enjoyed gardening and house work, but she truly loved being a mom and taking care of her husband and family. Rita is survived by three sons, Allen C. Benson of Olean, Aaron C. (Laurie) Benson of Middleburg, FL and James E. Benson of Bradford, PA; two daughters, Jenny L. (Terry) Armstrong of Mt. Jewitt, PA and Julie A. Benson of Olean; a step daughter, Paulette Armstrong; five grandchildren; one great granddaughter; one great grandson; three brothers, Ronald (Sarah) Bentley of Carlsbad, NM, Richard (Adele) Bentley of Big Run, PA and Edwin (Kathleen) Bentley of Green Valley, AZ. At Rita's request, there will be no Public Visitation or Funeral Service. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State St., Olean, New York 14760. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hart Comfort House 141 East State Street, Wellsville, New York 14895. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.