Helen M. Benton

Minot

Helen M. Benton, 97, Minot and Surrey, died Thursday, June 18, 2026, in a Velva care center.

Helen Marie Watts was born on April 18, 1929 to James and Jean (Cain) Watts in Minot, ND. She was raised in Minot and attended Lincoln Elementary, St. Leo’s Parochial School and Minot High, where she graduated in 1947.

Helen married Earl Benton on February 24, 1948 in Olympia, WA. After living in Olympia for two years, they returned to North Dakota in 1950. Their journey took them to a farm south of Minot and later to Minnesota, where they operated a farm before settling back in Minot in 1959.

Helen was dedicated to caring for others, she completed her nursing training in Wahpeton and trained at Trinity Hospital as a licensed practical nurse at the age of 50. She faithfully served patients at Manor Care Healthcare Center for 11 years. Although she retired in 1992, her passion for helping others led her to return as a part-time medic nurse from 1996-1997. Earl passed away in 1997.

After her retirement, she was blessed to work as a part of the Grandparent Program for several public schools that included Surrey Elementary, Surrey, ND along with Lincoln and Sunnyside Elementary Schools in Minot.

Helen was a longtime member of Fairview Mennonite Church in Surrey, ND. She served in various positions within the church, including Sunday School teacher, Women’s Missionary and Service Commission member, and served on the church council. She was a current member of the Bible Fellowship Church in Minot.

She enjoyed baking, a good debate, was a faithful fan of the Minnesota Vikings and loved caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen collected Franciscan dinnerware, found comfort in reading and was into researching genealogy.

Our family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the caregivers and staff of the Souris Valley Care Center of Velva, ND and CaringEdge Hospice of Minot for their compassion and care provided to Helen over the years and in her final moments.

Helen is survived by her sons: Gary (Gloria) Benton, Maricopa, AZ, Brad (Rhonda) Benton, Kulm; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Karen (Al) Woiwode, Fargo, ND, their daughter Abby (Evan) Bueligen, Hawley, MN, Bradley Jr. (Katie) and their children, Grace, Noah, and Samuel, Grand Forks, ND and Terance and his children Riley and Toby, Fargo, ND; stepson Perrie and (Pattie) Benton, Minot, ND; stepdaughters, Eileen Kunkel, Minot, ND, and Iris and (Jack) Galligan, Burtrum, MN; numerous nieces and nephews and special extended family friends Chad and Janet Parton Minot, ND.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl, sisters, Elizabeth (Bette) and Virginia Watts, brothers Lawrence, Robert, and Jack Watts, stepdaughters Vivian (Wayne) Bradwisch and Lenore (Lester) Zietz, stepsons Warren (Mary) Benton and Ronald Benton and stepson-in-law Lannie Kunkel.

Visitation: July 5, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m. July 6, 2026 at Fairview Cemetery, rural Surrey, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the organization of the donor’s choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 1, 2026.