It is with both sorrow & gratitude that we mark the passing of Jeff Benson, who departed this world on the night of Friday, July 25th, after losing the battle to a Glioblastoma (brain cancer) at the age of 68. He leaves behind a legacy of storytelling, humor, & shenanigans that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Jeffrey Rand Benson was born on November 15, 1956, in Worland, WY, the second child & first son of Jim & Belle Benson. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on March 6, 1965, in Worland, Wyoming. He lived in Worland, Laramie, Riverton Dubois, & Cody WY & in 1971 moved to Colstrip, MT when he was in the 8th grade. He played football for all 4 years & was the Outstanding Player of the Year his senior year. Jeff graduated in 1975 from CHS.
Jeff tried to join the Army, but due to knee surgery, was released honorably from his contract. He started working at the Colstrip Mine with his Dad shortly after graduating. In 1977 he met Debi Jean & they were married August 27th of that year. They had three children, daughter Amber Leigh, & sons Zachary & Spenser. Jeff’s favorite title, however, was “Papa” & enjoyed spending time with his 4 grandsons.
Jeff loved to be outdoors & was an avid fisherman & loved to go hunting & camping. He spent 62 years camping & fishing on the Big Horn Mountains. with his family. He was involved in Scouting & helped both his sons to earn their Eagle Scout. Jeff enjoyed playing sports & after retirement especially enjoyed golfing. He & Debi liked to travel & were able to go on many adventures together including England, Italy, & many places in the US. They began to “snowbird” to Kerrville, TX in the winter of 2021 & gained many new friends there. Jeff had his own construction business, J.A.Z.S.D. General Contracting, for a time. He also was a talented lathe worker & turned many bowls, candle sticks, cups, lazy susans & “hootchinannies.”
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Jim, sons Zachary & Spenser, & his brother Joel.
Jeff is survived by “the best wife ever,” Debi Jean, most favorite daughter Amber (Jeffrey) Binns, grandsons Landyn Benson, Xavier, Ryker, & Eli Binns, his mother Belle, & siblings Debra (Brent) Parks, Lance (Wendy) Benson, Lisa (Dave) Lewis, Karan (Michael) Reno, & Bart (Laura) Benson, his nieces & nephews, as well as many other cherished relatives & friends.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Monday August 4, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Tuesday August 5, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Interment
11:30 am
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park
Billings, Montana
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Monday August 4, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Funeral Service
12:00 pm
Tuesday August 5, 2025
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Interment
11:30 am
Wednesday August 6, 2025
Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park
Billings, Montana
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Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Debi and Amber:
There are not enough words to begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Jeff was such a sweet and kind man. I wish I could take your pain away. Please know that you are in our prayers. God bless you and your family.
David and Charlotte Schugardt says
Debi and Family:
We are so Sorry to Hear that Jeff has Passed
Hugs and Prayers
Donna McCulloch says
Debi and Amber,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and dad. I hope the many wonderful memories you made through the years help ease the pain you are feeling now. May God’s love surround you and bring you peace and comfort. You will be in my prayers.
Shirley Haidle says
I am so very sorry to hear the news about Jeff. He was the sweetest and most loving man and so much fun. Prayers and love to you all during this sad time.
Corrina says
Thinking of you at this difficult time ~
May memories of your loved one help get you through ….
You’re all going to be together again someday ♥️
Margaret Dickson says
My heart aches for all the Benson Family. Jeff,Debi and family hold special memories of friendship through the years. Sending prayers of comfort.
Wayne Laing says
Benson family we wish you strength and love to make it through this difficult time. We all know we will join our father in heaven one day but that does not make it any easier on the ones that stay here.
Cheryl Klemp says
Debi and Amber:
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff. When I lived next door he was the best help to me.
Debi my prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Jeff and Kathy Pimley says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Jeff was such a fantastic man and is now at peace with his sons. Our sympathy to you Deb and all of the family
Mardi Froehlich says
We are so saddened at this news and our hearts are breaking for you. We know Heaven is rejoicing at such a sweet, funny, loving man’s entrance to his eternal home. We are praying for you all to feel God’s peace and love. May you share wonderful memories. We plan to see you later in August if it works for you. Know you are in our hearts and prayers through this hard time. Love, Mardi and Bill Froehlich
Tracee Raymond-Raymond-Waples says
Oh Ms. Debi, Amber and family,
There really are no words to express how sorry I am to see this. I was hoping that Jeff would make it for a while so that you could make somemore family memories and milestones. Jeff was a wonderful guy and would do anything for his friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. This world was a little brighter when he was in it. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
Darrell Brabec says
Prayers are with all your family. Know it has been a very difficult time for Jeff and your family.
Sorry will miss service as we will be out of town.
Russ Davidson says
The boys were there to meet him and show him around,,,I really believe that! Warmest hugs to both of you from both of us
Brita Long says
Debi,
You did right by Jeff. My gosh, you were such a pillar of strength, courage and advocacy. You didn’t complain, kept your chin up and were a great example to us all. I am so glad he got to go home and go to graduation. Now he is with his boys – that made me smile this morning. And with dad. And now I hope that you give yourself permission to rest. This ain’t your first rodeo – you know how exhausted you are and will be. Love you so much.
Denise Loveridge says
I am so sorry to learn of Jeff’s passing. My memories of him are of a kind, smiling man. I hope you find peace in your memories of him. Sending you love.
Susan & Ken Acton says
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s death. Sending prayers of comfort to you.
Linda Miars says
So sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
SHELLY HOLUM says
Sending Hugs and prayers to all of Jeff’s family… He was a great guy..
Daphne castillo says
Deb, amber, Jeffrey
Alex and I were so honored to see y’all this summer. We saw how you honored Jeff through your loving caring and nurturing acts of kindness to such a wonderful happy person. I didn’t know Jeff well but what I do know is that Deb – you and Jeff both were so kind to invite me in as a friend. It is so hard to care for someone who was in Jeff’s condition but none of you complain, you kept your chin up and were a great example to us all. I know from true experience how hard it can be to see your loved one in that condition. I am so glad he got to go home and be at peace there. Now he is home with our Lord and Savior and also with your boys. We love y’all. We are there in spirit.
Lu Shomate says
Debi and Amber – We are so very sorry for the loss of this great man. What a legacy. We are thinking of you and lifting you all in prayer! Hugs.
Fred Schutt says
Debi, it is with great sorrow to hear of Jeff’s passing. Jeff will most likely keep all those saints smiling in Heaven. He was a great man and will be missed. May God bless you and family in these days ahead!
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Debi, Amber and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Glad he got to come home. Jeff was a nice man and always helpful. He will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers.
Debra Fadhl Nolan says
Sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Sending prayers of comfort to you.
Bonnie Dickinson says
So sorry for your loss. What fighters you’ve all become. Faith and prayers to you all at this difficult time💔
Shirley A Skinner says
We are so very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. We will be holding you in our thoughts and prayers. Deepest condolences and hugs to you Debi and family.
Darlene Marshall says
We are so sorry and hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We had so much fun when you were in Kerrville. So glad you chose here for the winter. Sure will miss my pinochle partner!! Love and hugs to you and the family,
Saĺy kirtley says
Dear debi and amber GOD Has called home one of the best men for the many thinkgs he did to heĺp me. Bless one and alĺ. With love from TEXAS
Brenda and Russ Dotson says
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Remembering a kind gentle soul with a quick wit and an easy smile. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
MICHAEL S BELL says
Debi, I wish I could be as much comfort and solace for you now, as you and Jeff were for me when Jacque passed. I don’t have the words to convey just how sorry I am that Jeff couldn’t beat this too; Lord knows he had plenty of practice dealing with trouble and loss, but brain tumors write their own rules. I’m so sorry for your loss and grief, but I’m grateful to know that you have a knowledge and testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m grateful that you have Amber and Jeffrey and the kids around you at this time. God bless you all.
Jill Myers says
I’m so sorry for Jeff’s loss and for all you went through regarding his cancer. Debi, your love and devotion to Jeff throughout his illness was always clearly evident. As you noted in the obituary, sorrow and gratitude can certainly exist side by side. There was much affection and joy in your family. Hugs to you all!
CJ (Sparky) Lewis says
What a man who has graced our midst. Though for a short time it will be, he will be missed by us here below. Though we weep here on the earth, our solace is that he has been reunited with his amazing son’s, a great father, and of course, most importantly, he is in the presence of our Savior. Love you all, and love you Deb Jean.
IUOE Local 400, Board, Members and Staff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time