Elva "Marie" Benson, 97 years old of Pasco, Washington went home to be with her Lord on February 6th, 2008 while surrounded by family and friends. Marie was born in Winslow, Arkansas on February 27th, 1910. She was one of five children born to George and Rosetta Robertson. She married Slyvester Hagens, September 1925 in Muscatine, Iowa. They had 3 children Maxine, Betty Jean and Robert. Slyvester passed away in 1931. Marie and the children remained in the Midwest until moving in 1943 to the Tri-Cities. Marie married Walter Benson in November 1949. They owned and operated "Walt's Rug Cleaning" business for 16 years. Marie helped with dispatching when Walt was fire chief for Pasco Fire District #3. Walt and Marie enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing, gardening, church and family. They were active and dedicated members of Riverview Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Pasco. Marie had a strong faith in God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Marie was known as a loving caregiver in the church nursery for over forty years. She was known by many children as, "Grandma Benson," even years after they grew up. She was admired by many for her kindness, willingness to give and dedication to her church. Marie was well known by her family, friends and church for her cooking, canning, baked goods and sewing. She often baked an array of goodies for church activities and family gathering. Cookies for Vacation Bible School were especially remembered. She took pride in making clothes for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of forty-two years Walter; first husband Slyvester Hagens; four brothers Delmer, Carl, Earl, & Perry Paul; daughter Maxine Farrar; son Robert Hagens; and granddaughter Lillian Burton. Marie is survived by her daughter Betty Jean Hatcher of Spokane, WA; granddaughters Barbara Rotunda, Janet Tom Theissen of Auburn, WA and Deni Dennis Zweigardt of Spokane, WA; eight great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. She will be great missed, loved and remembered by everyone who knew her. The family would like to thank Home Sweet Home, Tri-Cities Hospice, her First Baptist Church family and her dear friend Velma Jarrett for all of their care, love and support. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 15th, 2008, 1:00pm, at Pasco First Baptist Church, 1105 N. Rd 36 with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick, WA. There will be a luncheon at the church following the services for anyone who would like to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Pasco.