Edward Ray Benson, passed away on November 20, 2025 at his home. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, remembered for his warmth and kindness.

Born on June 1, 1945 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Henry Edward Benson and Betty Ray Sox, Ed was raised on a family farm west of Blackfoot, Idaho. Life on the desert was challenging with no running water and a generator for electricity. But there was always good food and plenty of chores to fill his time. He graduated from Snake River High School in 1963 and then went on to ISU Vo-Tech where he earned his associates degree in electronics technology. His first job was with Basic American Foods where he worked for 40 years retiring in 2009.

He married his sweetheart Joanne Eldredge on August 25, 1967, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they built a life filled with love and devotion that spanned over 57 years. They made their family home in Moreland, ID where Joanne and Ed were blessed with two children, Ryan and Brenda. Family was everything to Ed and Joanne, and they enjoyed every opportunity to go camping and fishing, firewood cutting, and even a couple of trips to Disneyland. Ed taught his family the value of hard work, service to others, and a devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In 2011 they relocated to Nampa, ID where they enjoyed 14 years of getting to know new friends and spend time with family.

Ed was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved working with the Young Men, serving as both a Cub Scout Leader and Scout Master. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award for his devoted service. Ed spent a lot of sleepless nights keeping the camp fire going so that the boys would stay warm on winter campouts. Later in his life, he developed a love for genealogy and family history, spending hours researching our family lineage, and filling out the branches of our family tree.

Ed is survived by his children Ryan (Catherine) Benson of Nampa, ID, and Brenda (Brian) Boran of Marshall, VA; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren (with one more expected in the spring) and his siblings Josie Hultz, Tacoma, Washington, Dean (Carla) Benson, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Debbie (Terry) Cash, Pocatello, Idaho, Charlote Benson, Island Park, Idaho, and John (Joni) Benson, Belgrade, Montana. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart Joanne and his parents. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on November 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Deer Flat LDS Stake Center, 7809 Deer Flat Rd., Nampa, Idaho

Family and friends are invited to gather an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Melba Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed's name to any LDS charity would be appreciated. His legacy of love, faith, and service will be cherished by all who knew him.