Francelia "Fran" Mary Benton, 95, of Spearfish, died Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Spearfish Canyon Health Care.
Fran was born on July 14, 1924, in Edgemont, SD, to Earl Dunham and Maudie May Strickland. She was raised in Edgemont by her grandparents, David and Mary Strickland. She grew up surrounded by her aunts, uncles, and cousins. On February 15, 1945, Fran married Harold Harmon Anderson. To this union, two sons were born: Gene Harmon Anderson on October 23, 1945, in Igloo, SD, and then Marvin Harold Anderson on February 18, 1947, in Hot Springs, SD. Fran and Harold later divorced in December of 1949. Fran then met Carl James Benton, and they were married on October 26, 1953, and spent over 43 wonderful years together before Carl died on January 27, 1997.
Over the years, Fran lived in many places, including Igloo, Sturgis, and Whitewood. She purchased 1223 Pine Street in Whitewood in November of 1961 for just $500.00. In 1963, she decided to upgrade and bought a brand new, luxurious manufactured home. She and Carl lived there for many years.
Fran enjoyed many things, including reading romance novels, watching her favorite shows, Dancing With The Stars and Gunsmoke, and enjoyed some dancing of her own. She loved classic country, Dwight Yoakam the most, and was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and Patrick Swayze. Fran was stubborn and strong-willed, driving up until September of 2018, when she was 93 years old. Above all else, she cherished the time she spent with her family.
Fran is survived by her son, Marvin Anderson; granddaughters, Gina (Robert) Haiwick, Marva Davis (Bobby Wilcox), Brenda Chavez, and Shaun Hinesley; great-grandchildren, Ashley (Joshua) McNeese, Andrea Stark (Derek Daniels), Alyssa (Brandon) Loll, Kaelob (Stacy) Orr, Jhett Davis, Baylee Davis, Kerbey Anderson, Cruz Chavez, and Summer Olson; and great-great-grandchildren, Amelia and Elizabeth McElvaney, Anthony Carter, Felix McNeese, Adilee Ladner, Holden Loll, and Kooper and Kaylee Orr.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her husband, Carl Benton; and her son, Gene Anderson.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Whitewood Cemetery with Mr. Robert Haiwick officiating.

Click on link to view service folder