Ruth J. Benson, 92, passed away on Friday (August 30, 2024) at Wellsville Manor Care Center.

Mrs. Benson was born on August 16, 1932 in Weston Mills to Howard D. and June (Keller) Cradduck. She was a 1950 graduate of Portville Central School. On January 1, 1951, in Portville, she married Glenn R. Benson who predeceased her on September 14, 2014.

During her early married years, Ruth devoted herself to the needs of her husband and children. In later years she worked at Fannins Bridal Shop in Bradford, Pa., Park and Shop in Portville and beginning in 1988 as a secretary for Olean Public Library in Olean, retiring in 2003.

Ruth is survived by three children, Deborah Putnam of Andover, David R. (Gayle) Benson of Whitesville and Barbara J. (Dennis) Carpenter of Shinglehouse, Pa.; four grandchildren, Timothy (Heidi) Putnam and Stephen (Jill) Putnam, both of Andover, Michael (Tracy) Travis of Quemado, Tex. and Eric (Amanda) Travis of Bolivar; 7 great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

 In addition to her husband of 63 years, she was predeceased by two sisters, Carolyn Sherman and Gloria Bell and a son-in-law, Joel Putnam.

Ruth enjoyed quilting, sewing and reading. She loved baking and was famous in the Benson family for her cinnamon rolls and homemade bread. She was very proud of her family and relished her role as a grandmother.

Ruth was very civic-minded. She served on the Whitesville Public Library Board and was very active in the Whitesville Senior Center. As a woman of faith, she was a founding member of Faith Bible Church in Little Genesee.

Per her wishes, there will be no prior visitation. The family is planning a Celebration of Life ceremony at a time and place to be determined. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/donate. © 2024 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.