Mary Irene Benson sadly left us on February 17, 2024, at the age of 93 at Hospice of Laramie.  Mary was born October 8, 1930, in Laramie, WY to Bernard John Irene and Carrie Mae (Frise) Irene.  With the loss of her mother at eight months of age, Mary and her two older sisters were raised by their father with the help of their grandma and aunts.  As young girls they spent many summers at their Uncle Nels Irene’s ranch at Leo, WY learning the true cowboy way of life from their Irene cousins.

Mary graduated from Laramie High School in 1948 and then attended the University of Wyoming.  In 1950 she married Don Sims of McFadden, WY where they lived and ranched for many years.  From this marriage three children were born, Denise, Scott and Olin.  Mary enjoyed the ranch life and helped work cattle and other ranch work but especially enjoyed running the swather during haying season.

When this marriage ended in divorce, Mary moved to Cheyenne, WY, where she worked for Farm Credit Services for several years.  Mary transferred to the Casper branch office, living in Casper for several more years before moving back to Laramie.  There she went to work at the University of Wyoming 4-H Office, later transferring to the UW Vet Lab where she retired.

 In November of 1987 Mary married Don Benson and they spent thirty-four wonderful years together.  They enjoyed their retirement by spending time at their cabin at Boulder Ridge, visiting with friends and enjoying the outdoors.  They also liked to just jump in the car and go for a drive in the afternoons to Albany or Woods Landing.

Mary was active in the Albany County Cattlewomen organization for many years, volunteering on various committees.  She received the Lifetime Member Award in 2021 for her service.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Benson, son Olin Sims, granddaughter Jennifer Jones, grandson Cody Drummond, stepdaughter Janet Benson, sisters Adrienne Irene and Bernice Fluty, niece Susan Fluty, nephew John Cowdin, and two infant grandchildren.  She is survived by her children Denise Loose (Larry) of Kimball, NE, Scott Sims (April) of McFadden, stepson Jay Benson (Pam) Laramie, and stepdaughter Jane Drummond Cheyenne.  Grandsons Shanon Sims (Melinda), Tyler Sims (Elise), Josh Benson, Spencer Benson (Teal).  Granddaughters Carrie Jones, Kendra Sims Keller (Josh), and Carrie Schimelpfenig (Brandon).  Mary is also survived by fourteen great Grandchildren.

 Graveside services will be held at Greenhill Cemetery on June 21, 2024, at 11:00.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY.