Helen Reddell Benson , April 25, 1915 — June 24, 2018

Obituary for Helen Benson Helen Reddell Benson of Merkel passed away Sunday, June 24, 2018, at the age of 103. Helen was born April 25, 1915 in Tuscola, Texas to Taylor County pioneers, Rex and Maude Baird Reddell. She was a graduate of Anson High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Abilene Christian College and Master’s Degree from Mc Murry University.

She was married to legendary Merkel football coach, Carroll (Skip) Benson for 43 years until his death in 1982. Helen began her teaching career with Noodle ISD, where she taught for one year. She taught 34 years with Merkel ISD, teaching 5th grade art and geography.

She worked as a supervisor with W.P.A. Home Living Services during WWII. She then began her “dream job”, when she opened her gift shop, Country Etc. , in the mid 1980s.

She owned and operated Country Etc. until 2013. She was a member of the Merkel Church of Christ, charter member of the Merkel Garden Club, Christmas Club and Merkel Country Club, Forthnightly Study Club, sewing club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Villagers of the Big Country.

She was named woman of the year for Beta Sigma Phi, served as Grand Marshall of the Merkel Christmas Parade and co-chairman of the Merkel Annual Christmas Home Tour. A most special event in Helen’s life was her annual Christmas open house, that she began in 1939, and continued until a few years ago. Services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at the Merkel Church of Christ with Lou David Allen officiating.

Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM, at Starbuck Funeral Home, 201 Edwards in Merkel. Survivors include her daughter, Ann Scott of Merkel; daughter -in- law Jannie Benson of Hale Center; grandchildren Shelia Harris (Keith) of Tyler, Suzanne McGuire (Russell) of Merkel, Kyle Benson (Lori) of Hale Center, Bryan Benson (Chelsie) of San Angelo; six great-grandchildren and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Maude Reddell; husband Carroll; son Bob and brother A.R. Reddell. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Texas Rehabilitation, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.