Donabelle E. Benson

Donabelle Elaine Benson, 92, of Sioux City, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Northern Hills Retirement Home.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Augustana Lutheran Church with Reverend Del Olivier as officiant. Abiding by family wishes, cremation has taken place and interment will be held at a later date. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel has assisted the family with arrangements.

Donabelle Elaine was born on March 20, 1918 in Sioux City to Emil and Anna (Adamson) Benson. She attended Sioux City Schools, graduating with the Class of 1936 from Central High School. Donabelle was secretary of the Loyal Order of Moose for seven years and worked briefly for Sioux City Beauty Supply. She retired in 1986 after being employeed by the City of Sioux City for 34 years as secretary to the Civil Service Commission and she also was Administrative Clerk Steno at City Hall. Donabelle was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church where she was active as a longtime choir member, president of the Women's Organization, member of the church council, and pianist for many functions. She was a member, and past president of the Sioux City Chapter of Professional Secretaries International, a member of the Morningside Rose Croix Chapter of Eastern Star, where she was organist for many years. Donabelle also enjoyed her membership to the Loyal Order of Moose, Sioux City Senior Center and Women's Club. Donabelle's principal joy was in music, having had a dance band and lively group called "Jolly Timers" who entertained at nursing homes and elsewhere in the Siouxland area.

Donabelle is survived by her sisters Beverly Ball and her husband Jim of Menifee, California and Pauline Beales of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; one niece; several nephews and cousins; and special friends Mary Ann Nooney, Barbara Polries, and Karen Tracey.

Donabelle was preceded in death by her parents.