Benjamin “Ben” Lee Benner

Benjamin “Ben” Lee Benner

It is with great sadness that the family of Benjamin “Ben” Lee Benner announce his passing on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the age of 90.

Ben was born on November 25, 1933 in Shepherd, Montana to Henry and Ida. He joined older siblings Jeannine and George, and was followed by Donna, Stanley, Carl, Rodney, Hattie, Raymond, and Donnie. He grew up in the Billings area hunting and fishing his way through his early years, running around the rimrocks, riding horses, and bringing home small game for the family to eat. He joined the Navy in 1952, where he joined the proud ranks as a Sea-Bee. He was proud of his service, and wore his Sea-Bees hat with honor. He often told stories about his time in the service, regaling all who would listen with his antics and escapades. 

He married his first wife, Gloria, in 1959 and settled in Aurora, Colorado. They had three children: Shauntel, Carmella, and Troy. After divorcing, Ben moved back to Montana and followed his family to Columbia Falls, where he met Mae Dahl. They married in 1969 and had three children: Ben, Katrena, and Monty. They divorced, and Ben eventually found himself in Anaconda where he met the love of his life and soulmate, Lanell. They shared 32 beautiful years with each other, and were seldom found without the other somewhere close by.

Ben worked as a heavy equipment operator or logger for the majority of his life. He did a brief stint as a milkman in Aurora (where, he related, he was stiffed for deliveries from two prominent and well-known boxers!). He loved to fish and hunt with his son and grandsons, and one of his favorite pastimes was retelling stories about his adventures to anyone who would sit and spend time listening to his stories. 

In Ben’s later years, he discovered a love of woodworking. He made beautiful fly rod cases, clocks, bird houses, trinket boxes, picnic tables, picture frames, shelves, beds, end tables, chairs, and cradles. He lovingly crafted matching urns for himself and Lanell, as well. Along with Lanell, Ben was also an active and involved member of the Mount Haggin Baptist Church. Ben’s garden was another joy in his life, and he once grew a cabbage so large that the newspaper featured him on the front page.

Ben was survived by his wife of 32 years, Lanell. Lanell joined Ben on February 7. He is survived by his children, Katrena Honaker, Monty (Kendra) Benner, Carmella Hunsaker-Venkos, and Shauntel Lyons; step-children, David Ostrom, Connie (Ed) Ryan, Diane McCarthy, and Margie (Dave) Dewing; grandchildren, Tyler Honaker, Chase Benner, Annika Benner, Nick Ryan, Jolena Ryan, Ryan McCarthy, Kyla McCarthy, Rowdy Lynn, Kolyn Wold, Kacy Wold, Erik Dewing, Emilee Dewing, Jessie Ostrom, Adam Hunsaker, Scott Hunsaker, Kendra Lyons, Kenneth Lyons, and Kyle Lyons; siblings Hattie (Jerry) Stahlberg, and Raymond Benner; and numerous other family members and friends.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Ida (Goldy) Benner; siblings, George Benner, Stanley Benner, Carl Benner, Rodney Benner, Jeannine Wagner, Donna Besel, and Donnie Benner; and sons Troy and Ben.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Mount Haggin Baptist Church, 221 Mt. Haggin Drive, Anaconda, Montana. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.

Private interment will follow at a later date.

Memorial Donations in Ben’s name may be made to Mount Haggin Baptist Church or a foundation/charity of your choice.