Funeral Services or Altha Calaway Benson, of Comanche, Oklahoma, will be at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church of Frederick, Oklahoma with Chris Dodson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Cemetery in Comanche, Oklahoma under direction of Jackson Funeral Home, Frederick, Oklahoma.  Mrs. Benson went home to heaven on Sunday, November 27, 2016, in Frederick, Oklahoma after living the last 5 ½ years in Frederick Memorial Nursing Center.

Altha Calaway Benson was born the youngest of 8 children, June 26, 1918 in Batesville, Arkansas to Edgar F.  and Georgia Calaway.  The family moved to Comanche, Oklahoma where she fruitfully lived her life, graduating from Comanche High School as a member of the National Honor Society in 1936.  She married Jim Benson on March 7, 1937, and they spent 61 years committed to each other.  They had two children Patsy Ellen, whose life was cut short at birth, and Loyd Lee Benson.

Altha spent her life in service to others. She was the perennial class mother and care giver to many.   She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Comanche, Oklahoma, teaching classes and serving as an officer and pianist.  She was involved in all aspects of United Methodist Women which supports the church and missions worldwide.

She was dedicated to the Stephens County Extension Club, and especially the Homemakers Club of Comanche.  She was honored in Duncan by receiving her 65 year pin in 2004.    She served as an officer and judged in different events at County Fairs in the region.  She frequently won blue ribbons on her entries. She was recognized by the Oklahoma State Fair Association for over 50 years of service to the State Fair Program.  She was awarded a 50 year service award from the Stephens County Election Board for her service as an Election Official.

She and husband Jim, loved to fish and they were often found camping and fishing at the Waurika Lake, Texhoma, or Eastern Oklahoma.  She was always supportive of Jim whether he was building homes, taking care of cattle, or attending calf roping at rodeos.   She was extremely proud of Loyd, in all his endeavors, whether as a lawyer, Speaker of the House of Oklahoma, civic leader or as her son.

Altha was a Proverbs 31 woman, because "her children and grandchildren bless her."   Her grandchildren can speak of "Mama's" love and commitment to them, wonderful meals and deserts, attending their different events, and fun individualized experiences.  She will be missed by all, but is rejoicing at her reunion in Heaven with her beloved Jim.

Altha is survived by son, Loyd Benson, and wife Judy of Frederick, Oklahoma, and three grandchildren, Brad Benson, and wife Kerry of Frederick, Oklahoma, Brent Benson and wife Cynthia of Edmond, Oklahoma and Dawn Mefford and husband Trent of Frederick, Oklahoma.  She has seven great children, Kate Benson, Rachel Benson, Rebecca Jo Benson, Blake Benson, Grant Benson, Tenley Mefford, and Timber Mefford, a host of nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces who she loved dearly, as well as many friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband, Jim; three brothers, Jessie, Richard and Ray as well as four sisters, Clara, Opal, Bernie, and Addie.