Olive passed away August 10, 2017 in Seattle, three months short of her 100th birthday. She was born in Kirkland --daughter of Norwegian immigrants, Olaf and Gunhild Larson. She grew up in a log cabin, now an historical home. She attended Kirkland High School and graduated from the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing.
After graduation she became one of United Air Lines earliest flight attendants. This required being a registered nurse. She met her future husband, Henry V. Benson Jr., while he was a hospital patient. They married in New York City where she practiced Public Health Nursing in her gracious, giving and caring manner.
Returning to Seattle she became a full-time homemaker. She loved to cook, entertain and make Norwegian food. She continued cooking and baking until her late 90’s and taught all her children how to make “Lefse.” She volunteered with Children’s Orthopedic Hospital, Clipped Wings, C.P.A. Wives, Seattle Seafair Princess chaperone, P.E.O., Kairos Prison Ministry and Bible Study Fellowship. Queen Anne Hill was her home for over 65 years. She walked daily enjoying neighbors, friends, dogs and flowers along the way.
Olive is survived by her children Vicki Hufford (Merle), Karen Purkey (Edward), Gary Benson (Julie), grandchildren Heidi, Hans, Anne Marie, Blakely and Dustin, six great-grandchildren plus nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Olive’s Life will be Saturday Nov. 25 at 10:30am at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 1818 Queen Anne Avenue, Seattle. Reception will follow in the church. Remembrances may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145; or to P.E.O.-Chapter JO, c/o J. Weeks, 6328 Meadowridge Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
