Carolyn K. Benjamin
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On August 24, 2016 @ 9:38 pm In 2016,Obituaries | 33 Comments
Carolyn K. Benjamin, of Prior Lake, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on August 24, 2016 at the age of 68. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bloomington. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Pallbearers for Carolyn are Paige Benjamin, Michael Benjamin, Tom Vogel, Buddhi Ukwaththa, Miguel Benjamin, Jose Benjamin, Mason Vogel, Alejandro Benjamin and honorary pallbearer, Trevor Vogel.
On January 22, 1948, Abraham and Rosa (Gonzalez) Columbus celebrated the birth of their daughter, Carolyn Kay. She was the third of four children and loved growing up in Oklahoma. As a young girl, Carolyn developed a love of reading and a passion for learning. She was a sprinter for her high school track team and valedictorian of her graduating class.
Carolyn’s family was second-generation immigrants from Mexico and always struggled to make ends meet. At just 12 years old, Carolyn worked as a babysitter and housekeeper for an aunt and her children in order to buy her own clothes and school supplies. This established her strong work ethic. After graduating from high school, Carolyn began working at Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City. After joining the LDS church, she moved to Utah and began working at Hill Air Force Base. Carolyn quickly fell in love and got married at a very young age, but was soon faced with one of the hardest times of her life. Her new husband left her shortly after they were married and suddenly she found herself alone and pregnant with her first baby. Carolyn developed some health complications, which led to Paige being born very premature. The doctor took Paige and put him in an incubator and sent Carolyn home, in a taxi, and told her that her baby probably would not survive.
Carolyn was a fighter and she was determined to overcome. She eventually got transferred to a new unit at work, where she met her “Officer.” Larry Benjamin turned out to be the love of her life and the two exchanged wedding vows on December 23, 1972. Larry and Carolyn eventually settled in Prior Lake where they raised their four wonderful children, Paige, Michael, Janae and Kristy. Larry and Carolyn were sealed for time and for all eternity in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, on April 9, 1979.
Carolyn’s faith was the foundation of her life. Larry and Carolyn felt blessed to raise their children in their faith. She was always very active in the church and was a beloved teacher and served many people in her various callings. Carolyn taught Seminary (an early-morning scripture class) for high school students out of her home every morning for 12 years. She cherished all of the time she spent with the youth of her church and had a big impact on many of them.
On top of all the time she spent volunteering at church, Carolyn also worked outside of the home for many years. She started out as a cashier for Cub Foods, but was soon promoted to full time work overseeing the opening of new stores across the state. Carolyn also worked as a regional office manager for Manpower for many years.
No matter what Carolyn was doing, she gave it her all. She was an excellent cook (famous for her chicken broccoli casserole). Carolyn was very artistic and loved to craft. She would knit, crochet, cross stich and paint. She was always very generous with her talents. She often gave many of her beautiful creations away to friends. Carolyn was also a shopping enthusiast and a wonderful writer. She had a green thumb and kept beautiful flower gardens. Carolyn also had a huge passion for doing genealogy work. She not only worked endlessly on her own family history, but she devoted many hours helping others discover their own ancestry.
Carolyn had many hobbies and talents, but the most important things in her life were faith and family. She loved spending time with her husband, children and especially loved being Meemaw to her 16 grandkids. Carolyn was loving, compassionate, generous and had a deep emotional connection with her family. She was a kind lady with a big heart, and she will be deeply missed.
Carolyn will be remembered always by her loving eternal companion, Larry Benjamin; children, Paige (Dulce) Benjamin, Michael (Natalia) Benjamin, Janae (Tom) Vogel, Kristy (Buddhi) Ukwaththa; grandchildren, Isabel, Alejandro, Sofia, Andres, Gabriel, Javier, Miguel, Jose, Amaliya, Michaela, Trevor, Mason, Abigail, Luke, Araliya, Amaya; siblings, Betty Youngs, Linda Price, Ronnie (Julie) Columbus. Carolyn is preceded by her parents, Rosa and Abraham Columbus.
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Larry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Carolyn. She was one in a million, and our friendship was such a blessing to me. She was a person who loved with her whole heart, and I felt lucky to be her friend.
I pray for the peace and comfort only the Holy Spirit can bring for all of you.
This says it all. She was “loving, compassionate, generous,” She loved her family fully and gracefully shared that love with so many others as well. My life has forever been blessed to be the recipient of her love and to have watched and witnessed her love and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Sister B” will always have a deep and lasting place in my heart.
I am so sorry for your loss Paige. She clearly was a great mon and a good example to all. She raised a great man like you. We pray for the peace and comfort that comes from the Savior.
It is always sad as we lose someone who has had a great impact on those around them. Carolyn was always loving and caring to those she came in contact with and willing to give of herself. What can be said of someone that is greater than one who loves those around them. As we try to comfort a great family as they lose for a short took time there association with their wife and mother we pray they are comforted and know of our love for them.
Oh my, such news of the passing of a significant person in the lives of countless many, including mine. What a beautiful tribute to her exemplary life. May the Lord bless you all as you adjust to this separation from her for a season.
Beautiful fitting tribute to a great woman. Grateful we could see you all last week; a cherished time.
We leave for California in the morning and will regretfully miss the services. We love the Benjamins.
Don and Marilyn Gordhamer
Lakeville, MN
Paige we are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. We love you, Laura and Randy.
I am so sorry for your loss. Carolyn was a wonderful woman with a welcoming spirit. I will remember her sweet smile. My you find comfort in each other and your faith. My prayers are with you all.
We send our love, condolences and gratitude to the the Benjamin Family as you say goodbye to your cherish and incredible wife, mother and grandmother. Carolyn was beloved by us and a mentor to me when I was a young mother new to the area. I loved spending time serving the youth in our church with her and spending time at your home and on the lake with you at many events. May your hearts be filled with peace and beautiful memories at this sacred time.
Oh how much I love the Benjamin family! You welcomed me in as part of your own as I just randomly show up to things. Carolyn always had a warm smile and hug to share with me. I wish I could share that with you right now. May you find strength in happy memories and the love of the Lord until you meet again. <3 Sending love and prayers from Utah.
We love you all and I know Judy will miss her so much. She always cherished the visits with Carolyn when we were back there visiting. She will be missed and loved forever in our hearts.
Doug and Judy Moncur.
Larry and family,
My heart is so sad to hear of the passing of Carolyn. She was always so kind to me and made everyone feel special. May you all feel comfort in knowing our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation.
With love and warm aloha,
Les and Lisa Calles
What an amazing life story! A great woman leaving a powerful legacy. The entire Benjamin family is in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn her passing.
Thanks Coach! My mom loved watching Miguel and Jose play football. Due to her health, she was not able to come to all of their games. But now she will never miss a game!
Oh Paige, I am so sorry. You have always been so kind to me, and now as I read your mom’s obituary I understand that you were raised by a loving and kind mom, who taught you right. Now I understand why you are the way you are- kind and accepting. Your mom and my mom lived very very similar hard lives. Although both of them were taken from us way too early (my mom at 69) we are both the people we are because of them. I wish both of them could have stuck around a lot longer so the world could enjoy them more. I love you buddy and please know that my heart goes out to you and your family.
I am sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
What a wonderful tribute . So sorry I did not keep up with my cousin. From childhood and young teenager I remember ” Carolyn Kay” as being one of the sweetest, caring people. She had a great smile just like her Mother. Prayers for the family. Sonja (Columbus) McClenny Uncle Bertie’s brother Joe’s daughter.
Siento mucho que estés pasando por este dolor querido amigo, nuestros más sentidos pésames también para Dulce y toda tu familia. Tendremos a tu mamita en nuestras oraciones.
I an so sad, realizing i will not hear Carolyn’s infectious laugh again, until I meet her in the next life. In her generous way, she took me in, let me watch over her precious children, gave to everyone of her kindness, love, and joy. She and Larry were such of a great example of what marriage should be. She took enormous pride and joy in Paige, Michael, Janae, and Kristy, and in her grandchildren. She truly was a light on a hill.
Condolences to the Benjamin family. She will continue to watch over you.
Larry, it was an honor for me to be asked to officiate at your marriage in the chapel
of Centennial Church. What a wonderful marriage and family you have had. It has been
an inspiration to all those who have known you and Carolyn. Love, Neb Benjamin
Our thoughts prayers and condolences go out to you Larry, and to all of your family.
Larry and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ll always treasure the memories of Carolyn and our daycare swaps when the kids were little. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about the passage of Carolyn.
She was such a nice kind person and will be greatly missed by family and friend. She was a great neighbor on Prior Lake.
What a great tribute to an amazing woman. She’s loved by so many. Even though I haven’t seen her for many years, Carolyn holds a special place in my heart. I hope you all are feeling peace and comfort from the prayers being offered in your behalf. Love you all.
To this day I am amazed at the effort Sister B put into Seminary; I still remember the caramel cinnamon rolls she would make when a student had a Birthday. But what I cherish even more was the fact that Sister B taught me the Gospel through her personal hard work, giving of herself and love. In short, like the Master, she taught me the Gospel by example. There are only a handful of people in anyone’s life that they can look back on and honestly say to themselves “I would not be who I am today if it had not been for them”. For me, Sister B is one of those people.
Heaven is a better place now that she is there.
Paige I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Thanks for the insight of her life! She sound like she was a wonderful woman to all she met, but especially to her family. She along with your dad did a great job raising you and your family. I have so many good memories of you during college and I know its a result of being brought up in a good home with a good support system (family). I once read that President Monson said that Death is like putting out a candle at the dusk of light…comforting to know that you will see her again. Take care my dear friend.
LIz & Aaron Requilman
Sad news, when one so loved and adored is lost at a young age. She will continue to be felt and loved threw the lives of her family and children
Dear Paige,
Mahalo for sharing your mother’s story with us all. You are like your mother, intelligent, creative, loving, kind to all. I don’t know your family but remember what an outstanding person you are. What a wonderful influence your mother had on your family and I am sure it continues through all her children and grandchildren. As we say in Hawaii, “Aloha Oe: Until we meet again.”
Larry, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
My Condolences and those from my family…
Carolyn was a wonderful example of a wife, mother, and loving teacher and friend. We will all miss her and her sweet spirit until we meet again.
Godspeed.
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Carolyn was loved by everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She touched many lives. I worked with Carolyn at CUB for several years. Her laugh, her beautiful smile, and those eyes that lit up a room whenever she would enter will be remembered forever. Her spirit lives on in each of you…and in the memories we all share. The lessons Carolyn taught each of us daily, without even realizing it, are lessons I try to live by daily and share with others. She is truly a gift from God and is with us still. Carolyn’s face would light up as she talked with such pride of her family. With her faith, they were her life. She loves you all so and that is something that will live on forever. Please take comfort in seeing her each time Paige, Michael, Janae, Kristy, and one of the grandchildren smiles; for in their smiles, in their eyes…you will see Carolyn.
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I am so very sorry to hear of your mother-in-laws passing, Natalia. She clearly was loved and sounds like an amazing woman. May Heavenly Father’s peace be with you all.