Helen Marie Benson, age 78, formerly of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 17, 2024, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Helen was born to Ernest Fenton Ballard and Mable R. Breckenridge on July 3, 1945, in Aurora, Missouri. Helen was raised in Springfield and graduated from Central High School. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dale Benson, also of Springfield. They were blessed with two children, Regina Dale (Benson) Rorrer and James Dale Benson.

Helen was proudly employed at Kraft Foods for over 15 years. In her younger years she had many interests. She had a love for animals, thrift store shopping, (or just shopping in general), country music, and she loved to do the two-step. As kids, we remember her dancing around the house to the songs of Urban Cowboy. Nothing, however, brought her more joy than spending time with her sisters and taking an occasional trip with them to various casinos. Helen will be remembered as a hard working mom who made sure her children wanted for nothing. She had a strong work ethic that showed dedication, persistence, and a willingness to put in the effort to achieve her goals. She leaves behind a legacy of love that extends through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Helen was the youngest of seven children. She is survived by two older brothers, Bill Ballard of Aurora, Missouri, and Larry Ballard of Ozark, Missouri. She is also survived by her two children and their spouses, Darren and Regina Rorrer and Dale and Natalie Benson. She has four grandchildren, Alex, Taylor, Morgan, and Isabella and six great grandchildren, Hadlie, Kenlie, Jaxson, Nora, Colson, and Sloan. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews scattered across Southwest Missouri. 

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A private burial will be held at Hazelwood cemetery at a later date. Family and friends are invited to join together to honor and remember our spicey momma.