Donna Bernadine Riddell Benstog October 5, 1922 ~ June 30, 2018 On June 30, 2018, we lost a true angel and heaven gained one. Donna (Patsy) Bernardine Riddell Benstog passed away at the age of 95. What an amazing woman she was.
Even as a child she always did the right thing, as told by her mother. As an adult she never changed. Mom didn’t complain and always did more than expected.
She was known for her kindness, affection, love of nature, and for bringing babies into the world as Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at St. Benedict’s Hospital. She was also an exceptional chef, baker, and gardener. She was born and raised in Southern California to Stanley and Bernardine Riddell and was the oldest of seven children.
After graduating from Mercy College of Nursing, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, going on to earn the rank of lieutenant. While working at DeWitt Army Hospital in Auburn, California, she met and cared for the love of her life, Joseph Harold Benstog. They lived in California for a number of years, and then moved to Utah.
Together with love and affection, they raised eight children and were married for 70 years. Mom found great happiness at the family cabin in the Uinta Mountains with Joe, the kids, and grandkids. All who knew her there loved her and adored her sweet smile.
In the early 1980’s, mom was instrumental in the establishment of the birthing rooms at St. Benedicts Hospital. She also facilitated the reuse of umbilical cords for further medical treatment. She was always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for others.
To become even half the person she was would be amazing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; son, Dominic; daughter, Rosalie; granddaughter,Jamie; and grandsons, Dominic and Alex. Joe and Donna leave a loving family to enjoy their legacy.
Their children are David (Barbara) Benstog; Rebecca (John) Reis; Patrick (Susan) Benstog; Thomas Benstog; Paul (Lola) Benstog; and Laurie (Dean) Rackham; 18 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren and two great- great- grandchildren. Special thanks to Dave and Barbara for providing Mom with a warm and happy home for over two years. Also to her best friend, Kathleen Purdy, for years of companionship and loving care and to John Reis, MD and Nadya Wayment, MD.
A special thanks to Lola Benstog, Bristol Hospice, and the staff at George Wahlen Veterans Home for the outstanding care they provided. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South, Ogden. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.
Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road.
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