Dr. Ronald M. Benson, 86

February 08, 2025

Dr. Ronald M. Benson, 86, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away on February 8, 2025. Born in Tucumcari, New Mexico, on January 13, 1938, Ron was the son of the late Dr. George Morris Benson (husband of Nella Benson) and Pauline Wilson (wife of Pete Peters) and was the husband of Geraldine M. Keeley Benson.

Ron received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech, Lubbock, TX, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN. He was a professor in the history department at Millersville University for thirty years, from 1967-1997. Upon his retirement, Ron picked up the game of golf, which he loved. Ron was also an avid Notre Dame fan, and loved watching all Notre Dame sports. He shared his love and enthusiasm with his grandchildren and sons-in-laws, sharing highlights from both basketball and football games.

In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by his three children: Polly Benson Khater (wife of Sam), Rose Benson Padmanabhan (wife of Ajit), and Clare Benson and three grandchildren, Hannah, Arun, and Mychal. Ron is also survived by sisters, Janice Benson Potter, of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Paula Daniels, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, and nephews Arik, Mark, and Walt and niece Raeghan.

Ron is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Benson.

Ron will be deeply missed by his family. The family will have a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603, at 11 AM on Friday, May 30, 2025. A private interment will immediately follow.