Harriet Jean Benson, 82, Minot and formerly of New Rockford, ND, died Wednesday, November 25, 2009 in a Minot Hospital.

Harriet was born February 4, 1927 at Parshall, North Dakota, the daughter of Otto and Addie (Sell) Leske. She moved with her family to New Rockford, ND and graduated from High School there in 1944. She continued her education at Trinity School of Nursing in Minot and graduated with a degree as a Registered Nurse in 1947.

Harriet was employed with Trinity Hospital as a RN in Minot for three years, prior to her marriage to Kenneth Benson on June 25, 1950 in New Rockford. They made their home in Minot throughout the years, where Harriet was busy raising their four children, while Kenneth maintained his optometric practice throughout the years. He died November 14, 2003.

Harriet was a longtime member of Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot, where she actively served on various committees and circle groups, as well as a Sunday School teacher. She also served as the Past President of the ND Optometric Auxiliary. Her passion was her family and friends, and she especially enjoyed playing bridge.

Her loving family includes : children, Barbara (Dennis) Frykman, Atlanta, GA; Bob (Dale) Benson, Houston, TX, Chuck Benson, Rapid City, SD and Bruce Benson, Minot; grandchildren, Bethany Benson, Houston, TX, Whitney Frykman, Minneapolis, MN and Lindsay Frykman, Chicago, ILL; brother, Gary (Cristina) Leske, Setauket, NY, sisters, Donna (Duke) Bowman, Greensboro, NC and Marilyn (Doug) Palmer, Great Falls, MT; several nieces and nephews.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Kenneth.

Funeral service : Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00-7:00pm in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers and plants the family prefers memorials to Vincent United Methodist Church or the Jaclyn Klebe Fund at First Western Bank, Minot.