Doris Benner

Funeral services for Doris Benner, 81, of Baker, MT, will be 10:00 a. m. , Monday, April 11, 2016 at the American Lutheran Church in Baker with Pastor Bruce and Reba Kolasch officiating. Burial will take place in the Carlyle Cemetery. A family receiving friend’s service for Doris will be held from 2:00 p. m. to 4:00 p. m. Sunday, April 10, 2016, at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT. Doris passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Fallon Memorial Complex after a valiant battle with cancer. Doris Gertrude Benner was born December 26, 1934 in Beach, North Dakota to Otis and Ina Lutts. Doris grew up on a farm west of Carlyle along with her brothers and sisters. In 1954 Doris graduated from Baker High School. Shortly thereafter Doris met a young man who was working on the threshing crew and the rest, as they say, is history. Doris Gertrude and George Benner were married on December 4th 1954 at Baker, Montana. To this union four children were born. Cecil, Gertrude, William, and Emma. Doris had a dedication to her children like no other. She was first and foremost a “mom” and always made sure her children had what they needed. She learned the art of creativity and often made what couldn’t be bought. Doris had the gift of crocheting, sewing, and knitting many of her children’s clothes. Much of her handiwork has been passed down to friends and family in the form of afghans, hats, Christmas stockings, and pillowcases. Doris was also an avid gardener and took great pride in her garden and flowers. She prepared many meals for family and friends from her harvest. Many hours were spent trying and creating new recipes for family gatherings. Doris was a lifelong learner and took to the internet to find answers to cooking and gardening questions as well as keep in touch with family. Doris and George spent 52 years together. They believed in the spirit of American values of hard work and family. They asked for nothing but were always there to lend a helping hand. Upon the death of her husband, Doris moved to the Parkview Complex where she spent many hours with her friends putting together puzzles, helping the residents, and enjoying retirement. Doris loved her family and never forgot a birthday, anniversary or special occasion with a card and gift. Doris leaves behind her four children and their families, Cecil, and Cheryl Benner, Gertie and Bob Baldwin, Willie and Penny Benner, and Emma and Frank Minnick. Grandchildren, Melissa Benner, DaNae Johnson, Brandon Baldwin, Tiffany Rose Benner, and Leigha, Lisa and Loren Minnick. Three great grandchildren Joshua, Jonathan and Joy Johnson and sisters, Della Bunney and Louise Hochmuth. She was preceded in death by her husband George, her beloved twin sister Dora Kunda, brothers Bill and Russell Lutts and Maxine Waymire. She also mourned the loss of her grandchildren Luke and Brian. The family would like to thank the staff and personnel of Fallon Memorial complex for their compassion and care the past few weeks of Doris’s life.


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Burial Date: April 11, 2016
Church American Lutheran Church

Funeral Service: Monday: American Lutheran Church, Baker, MT