Lanell Emilee Benner

Lanell Emilee Benner

Lanell Emilee Benner was welcomed to her eternal home on February 8, 2025 by Jesus, her beloved parents, her infant son Danny, and the love of her life, Benjamin. Though our hearts ache at her absence, we take comfort in knowing she is now free from pain and the grip of dementia.

Born the first child of Emerson and Nellie (Turnbull) Tuckerman, Lanell grew up alongside her siblings Randy, Bonnie, Gayla, and Casey. Her early years were filled with frequent moves due to her father’s work in education, but her favorite place remained Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a spot she fondly remembered throughout her life, and her grandparent’s ranch in South Dakota. The family eventually settled in Sheridan, Montana, where Lanell met Allen Ostrom. They married in 1953 and moved to Anaconda where they built a life on a small farm in Opportunity, raising four children.

Life on the farm brought both challenges and cherished memories. Lanell thrived in the joy of raising her children and caring for animals, though she had a particular dislike for milking the cow when Allen was away! She created a warm and loving home—a place her children always looked forward to returning to. Music filled their house, with family sing-alongs around the piano while Allen played bass guitar. Lanell’s talents and energy extended far beyond the home: she baked, sewed dresses (including Prom dresses for her daughters), crocheted blankets and hats, and took singing lessons. Lanell also served her community through 4-H, Extension Homemakers, and as the friendly neighborhood Avon and Watkins representative. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church, regularly attending services and teaching Sunday School.

After her divorce in 1988, Lanell was blessed to find her soulmate in Benjamin “Ben” Benner. The two married in 1991 and became a devoted pair, sharing life and faith together. You seldom found one without the other, and their love for one another was deep and abiding. They built a home together on top of Sunnyside Road, and their home was filled with love, music, and the messy mixture of their combined families. They found a spiritual home at Mount Haggin Baptist Church, where Lanell led the music ministry and participated in the church choir. 

Lanell loved reading, and she curated her own personal library. She delighted in sharing her favorite stories with loved ones, often passing on a book that touched her to someone she thought could benefit from reading it. Her Bible was her most treasured book, however, and she could often be found in quiet prayer, grounded by her favorite verse: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 4:10

She enjoyed crossword puzzles, with partially completed crossword books tucked into baskets or drawers around her home. Along with a group of other ladies, she made baby blankets for the local hospital so that families could bring their newborns home wrapped in love. Her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Anaconda nursing home was marked by compassion and care, and many of her coworkers became close friends. After retiring from the nursing home, Lanell worked in the housekeeping department of some of the local motels.

Above all, Lanell cherished her family. Her children, stepchildren, children-in-laws, and grandchildren carry treasured memories of the many ways she made them feel loved and seen. The early childhood memories of many of her grandchildren are filled with Granny as she helped to take care of them while their parents were working.

Lanell is preceded in death by her parents Emerson and Nellie Tuckerman; siblings Gayla Scarborough and Casey Tuckerman; daughter-in-law Susie Ostrom; infant son Danny; stepson Ben Henry Benner; and husband, Benjamin “Ben” Benner.

She is survived by her siblings Randy Tuckerman and Bonnie (Harvey) Alvy; children David Ostrom, Connie (Ed) Ryan, Diana McCarthy, and Margie (Dave) Dewing; stepchildren Katrena Honaker, Monty (Kendra) Benner, Carmella Hunsaker-Venkos, and Shauntel Lyons; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Nick Ryan: Layne; Jolena (Jeff Yost) Ryan: Winnie and Willa; Erik Dewing, Emilee Dewing, Jessie Ostrom, Ryan McCarthy, Kyla (Melissa) Tassano: Kaden, Mike, Wyatt, Michael, and Bodhi; Rowdy Lynn, Kacy Wold, Kolyn Wold, Tyler Honaker, Chase Benner, Annika Benner, Adam Hunsaker, and Scott Hunsaker.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Aline Triplett for her friendship and care of both Ben and Lanell in the last few years.

Private services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity, spend time with someone who needs a friend, help out at a school, or do something that makes your heart happy.

Lanell’s life was a testament to love, faith, and service. Her legacy will continue to live on through the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Our beloved mother is now in heaven with Jesus.