Betty Benson, 76

It is with great sadness that the family of Betty Benson of Moscow, Idaho, announces her death on Jan. 9, 2020 at the age of 76, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Born on March 29, 1943, in Scott County, Tennessee to Geneva and Carl Goad, Betty was the oldest of 12 children. Betty lived in Knoxville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Sandpoint, Idaho; before placing roots in Moscow in 1983.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Jim; her children, Tim, James and Krisila; her daughter-in-law, Susie; and her granddaughters, Megan and Jenna.

Betty is an alumna of the Univer-sity of Idaho, where she completed both a bachelor’s degree and a master of science in geography. She was active in the community and a keen political observer, and served as a commissioner on the Idaho Arts Commission and as a legislator in the Idaho State Senate. She helped to establish the Pend Oreille Arts Council in Sand-point, and the Inland North-west Water-color Society.

A prolific and talented artist, Betty enjoyed a variety of creative endeavors, including painting, quilting, knitting, weaving, calligraphy, and a host of other media. She was a member of the Palouse Watercolor Socius, the Idaho Watercolor Society and the Northwest Watercolor Society. For years, Betty had a daily practice of painting. She had a constant passion to learn and expand her art skills, and placed in multiple juried watercolor competitions. She also had a great interest in travel, reading and gardening.

Memorial donations in honor of Betty can be made to the 1912 Center, 412 East Third Street, Moscow, ID 83843 or the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department, 603 S Main Street, Moscow, ID 83843.

There are no services planned at this time

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at shortsfuneralchapel.com.