Gwenath Draper Benson

Gwenath was called home to her Heavenly Father on March 18, 2022. She was born in Moroni, Utah on August 21, 1937 to Andrew Maiben Draper and Della Elizabeth Ruesch. Gwenath grew up living a pioneer life on a farm in Manti, Utah with cows, horses, and over 300 chickens.

She met Leonard Benson through a next-door neighbor and they were married on July 12, 1963, joining their two families into one.

She was artistic in many ways. She was a great artist, doing many paintings and portraits that she displayed throughout the house. She loved to write poetry. Her mother taught her how to crochet when she was a little girl and she created beautiful afghan blankets and intricate doilies.

She was a wonderful cook and was always trying to make every holiday extra special by making homemade fudge, divinity candy, pies, and potato salad while the kids were at school. While she made all kinds, she was known for her mincemeat, pumpkin, and chicken pot pies. She canned many kinds of fruits and vegetables so they had plenty to eat all year round.

She had a great love for gardening and would start many different flowers from seed in the house. Then, when the time was right, she would transplant them all outside. She would get so many compliments on them. She loved all kinds of houseplants, but her favorite was the African violet. At one point she had over 400 African violets displayed in her home.

Preserving her family history was very important to her. Gwenath started interviewing family members to document their stories in the late 50’s/early 60’s and made sure to collect photos to go with the stories so there would be a record. Many of her photos have now been added to Ancestry.

Gwenath was sole owner of 3 businesses in her life. Gwenath Draper Benson Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery, Watkins, and Fuller Brush. She ran all three out of her home at the same time.

She is survived by her daughters Loree Winegar (Scott), Cristy Benson, Anita Pierce, Connie Bergener (Mike), and Elaine Valencia Godfrey; her grandchildren Nick (Cali), Brandon (Jackie), Jon (Danica), Mike (Chantel), Elizabeth (Andrew), Katherine, Ricky (Diane), Amy, Bernie, Travis (Krystal), Sarah, and Joshua; and 20 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her siblings (Donna Draper, Hal V. Draper, Velma Lucille Boska, Harland Draper, Allen Draper, and Wildon Draper), her husband (Leonard Benson), and her son (Lester Ebitson).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Hidden Chapel, 1450 South 350 West, Bountiful, Utah where a viewing will be held Friday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment- Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. Streaming will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will appear below the obituary.

Luncheon provided by the Relief Society for family members at the Hidden Chapel after the graveside services are concluded.