Ida May Benham

Ida May Benham, age 74, went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. She was born October 13, 1940 to Fred and Hazel (Bateman) Pritchard. She attended public school in Park Rapids, graduating from Park Rapids High School in 1958. She married Myron Harsha in 1959. One son, Ricky Lee was born to this union. In 1977, Ida married Donald Benham. He passed away in 2013 after 36 years of marriage. Ida devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her family. She was a wonderful cook and baker, who will be long remembered for her delicious fried chicken, potato salad, suet pudding and homemade pickles. In addition to caring for her family, Ida worked outside the home as a custodian at the Frank White elementary school in Park Rapids and spent over 18 years at Lamb-Weston RDO as a shift supervisor until her retirement. She was blessed with the gift of hospitality and enjoyed entertaining her family. She loved to sing and was a member of the Worship team at the Grace Community Church. Ida enjoyed singing with her brother, Dale, and over the years, many were blessed with she and Dale singing their special rendition of "One Day at a Time." She was active in her community and was a former President of the Park Rapids Eagles Aerie #870, and an active member of the Osage Lions. Ida also was currently serving as President of the Osage Senior Citizens. In her spare time Ida enjoyed crocheting and treasured the time she spent with her son and grandchildren. Ida is survived by her son Ricky Harsha of East Grand Forks, MN; two grandchildren Hannah (Jimmy) Bettin of Menahga, MN, Gavin Harsha, of Moose Lake, MN; four great-grandchildren: Devon, Alorah, Kaylen and soon to be born, Jasper James; five stepdaughters: Vicki (Gary) Reno, Ann Trammell, Linda Eskola, Sheila (Bill) Streigel, Lisa (Bill) Givans; numerous step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Jeanne (Robert), Audrey (John) and Janice (Dale); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ida was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; nine siblings: Rev. David (Ellen) Pritchard, Harold (Lois) Pritchard, Herbert (Luella) Pritchard, Robert Pritchard, Fred Pritchard, John Pritchard, Dale Pritchard; and sisters: Lydia Price and Betty Pellegrino. Memorial services will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Grace Community Church in Osage, MN with Pastor Paul McKibben officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2015 from 5 to 7 PM at the Jones Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with a family prayer service at 7 PM, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Osage in the spring. To view video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com