Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, 95, of Benson, Minnesota passed away  Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Scandi Haven Senior Living in Benson after a long battle with dementia.  Her memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Barbara Elizabeth Brown was born August 10, 1928, in Seattle, WA to Eva Viola Mead. She was given up for adoption shortly after birth and was adopted by Wade Ellis Smith and Ethel Sabina (Lane) Smith. She attended John Marshall Junior High and Roosevelt High School in Seattle. After high school, she was employed by the Army Depot in the War Assets & Veterans Administration departments in Seattle.

In 1947, she was united in marriage to Arlie J. Bennett. To this union two children were born, Lee & Janice. In 1959, she married William Edward “Ted” Eric Morris and to this union two children were born, Shari & Lori. Barbara and Ted lived in Kent, WA, where they were in the process of developing land around Pipe Lake (Aqua Vista). Together they were also part owners in M. Produce. After Ted’s death, she moved to Federal Way, WA and then Conrad, MT. She was employed by the Pondera County Sheriff's department for 26 years as a dispatcher and then secretary to the sheriff. She retired at the age of 71 and was very proud of the fact that she was the longest serving employee at the sheriff's office at the time. Following retirement, Barbara moved to Benson in 2001 to be closer to her daughter Lori and to get away from the cold Montana winters.

Barbara enjoyed many crafts but was known for the beautiful wall hangings, quilts, table runners and various other items that she quilted. She also enjoyed fishing, bowling, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, bingo and was an avid card player. Whenever possible, she would rope you into playing a game of Scrabble and was rarely defeated. On the few occasions that she did lose, she accused her opponent of cheating.

Barbara resided at Scandi Haven Memory Care Unit at the time of her passing. The family would  like to thank the staff at Scandi Haven and Moments Hospice for their wonderful care of our Mom & Grandma.

Barbara is survived by her son: Lee (Debbie) Bennett of Greenbank, WA; daughters: Janice Hudson of Kent, WA, Shari (Randy) Widhalm of Butte, MT; and Lori (Craig) Schnitzler of Danvers; grandchildren: Matt (Crisie) Bennett, Brett Bennett, Patrick Bennett, Chad (Amber) Deffert, Cari (Chris) Lloyd, Curt (Angie) Widhalm, Carlie (Eric) Larsen, Melissa (Rick) Payne, and Eric (McKenzie) Schnitzler; and great-grandchildren: Dylahn Bennett, Isabella Bennett, Zachary Deffert, George Widhalm, Elizabeth Widhalm, Raeya Larsen, Axel Larsen, Kylen Payne, Corbin Payne and Sylvie Schnitzler.  She was preceded in death by her biological mother; adoptive parents; her half-sister: Lois Craven; and her husbands.

Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.     www.hafh.org.