Mary Mann Benson

Mary Mann Benson, 81, of Claude passed away April 18, 2020.

Private graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 23, 2020 in Claude Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.

Mary was born July 1, 1938 to Robert Starr Mann and Ova Odell Mann in Saint Jo, TX. Mary attended and graduated from Prairie Valley High School in 1956. Mary was a standout basketball player all thru high school, averaging 51 points per game her senior year. She received a basketball scholarship to Clarendon Jr. College where she attended and graduated in 1958. Mary was elected Miss Clarendon Jr. College in 1958. While at Clarendon Jr. College, Mary met Bernie Lee Benson. They were married on September 7, 1958 in Saint Jo, TX.

Mary and Bernie moved to College Station, TX where Bernie attended and graduated from Texas A & M Veterinary School in 1963. Upon Bernie’s graduation, they moved to Claude. Mary helped Bernie establish and operate the Claude Veterinary Hospital until Bernie retired in 2015.

Mary was involved in many clubs and organizations including the Eastern Star and Kathryn Circle United Methodist Women. She resided in Claude until her death. Mary was a beautiful wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary is survived by her husband Bernie of 62 years; son, Dr. Mike Benson and wife Jill; daughter Briss Mann and husband Mark; four grandchildren, Kirby Bibb and husband Trevor, Kade Benson and wife Reagan, Hadley Mann and wife Morgan, and Colby Mann and fiancé Madison Solano; two great-grandchildren, Landry Bibb and Hardy Benson; and another baby Bibb on the way; and her beloved poodle, Jiffy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to United Methodist Women of Claude, Claude EMS, or the Claude Volunteer Fire Department.