The Enterprise - White Salmon, Washington

Obituaries

Death notices for Lila Benson and Ray Blaisdell

December 28, 2012

Lila Virginia Benson passed away in White Salmon at the age of 94 on Dec. 23, 2012. She was born April 25, 1918, in Midvale, Idaho, to Rose (Cole) and Jesse Coffield.

On June 16, 1938, Lila married Louis C. Benson in Vancouver. Throughout her life, Mrs. Benson worked as a fruit packer and as a cook at the elementary school. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and Rebekah Lodge.

Lila enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, preserving fruits and vegetables and playing cards.

She is survived by her son Lance Benson of Yacolt; daughters Gail Stencil of Eagle Creek and Mary Eaton of White Salmon; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis in 1984.

A graveside service was held at the White Salmon Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, followed by a memorial service at the United Methodist Church in White Salmon.

Contributions may be given to the United Methodist Church in her memory.

Gardner Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Raymond Dale Blaisdell was born Feb. 24, 1929, in Stevenson to Florence E. (Heaton) and Ferdinand T. Blaisdell.

He served in the United States Army from 1946 until 1948.

On Jan. 6, 1951, Ray married Joan L. Askay in Vancouver.

Mr. Blaisdell worked many years for Wind River Logging in Carson, then worked in law enforcement. Ray spent 24 years with the Skamania County Sheriff Department, eight of those years serving as sheriff.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Lodge and enjoyed woodworking and reading.

Mr. Blaisdell passed away at his home in Carson on Dec. 20, 2012 at the age of 83.

He is survived by his sons and their wives Terry and Laurel Blaisdell of Carson and Randy and Beth Blaisdell of El Sequndo, Calif. He is also survived by his sister Mildred L. Shelton of Carson and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gardner Funeral Home handled cremation arrangements.