Lesley Ann Bensen

Lesley Ann Benson, 66 of South Haven died Sunday, October 9 at her home.
She was born August 13, 1945 in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, England to John and Dulcie (Orton) Hollis. Dulcie later married to Ben Butterworth, who became Lesley’s father. She married Barry Benson on May 28, 1965 in Washington D. C. Lesley worked as a bookkeeper at Hoekstra Roofing for 8 years and then for the Village of Mattawan for 12 years. She and Barry owned and operated Benson’s Village Store in Mattawan from 1981 to 1993. Lesley enjoyed gardening, walks in the woods, traveling and, more than anything, spending time with her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Barry Benson, who died July 17, 2011 and her brother, Nigel Butterworth.
She is survived by her two children – Chad (Katie) Benson of Traverse City, Michigan and Sarah (Joseph) Rydecki of South Haven, Michigan. Two grandchildren – Ben and Elley, one brother – Rick Butterworth of Hinckley, England and one sister—Rowena (John) Pickering of Earl Shilton, England. Sister-in-law, Janet Butterworth of Peckleton, Leicestershire, England also survives.
Visitation will be Friday, October 14, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven. Memorial services will begin at 7:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Linstrom officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, 6851 S. Sprinkle Rd. Portage, MI 49002, conservland@swmlc.org.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.