Lucille Tarantino Benson

Hamilton - Lucille Tarantino Benson, 93, of Hamilton passed into the hands of Our Lord Sunday, August 28, 2016 at Marcus Daly Hospice in Hamilton. She was born April 19, 1923 in Denver, Colorado to Albert and Mary (Muro) Tarantino. Lucille grew up in North Denver, in the Italian community. Her fathers family came from Calabria, the toe of Italy, and her Mother's family from Potenza, mid Italy. Lucille was very proud of her Italian heritage.

After graduating from High School, Lucille began her career as a legal secretary for $13.00 a week. She went from a single attorney office to a large firm a year later. She then opened her own secretarial service which she sold shortly after the death of her father. Lucille went to work for William H. Erickson shortly before he was appointed by Governor Love as a Justice for the Colorado State Supreme Court. Mr Erickson accepted the appointment on the condition that he be allowed to keep Lucille as his assistant. That partnership lasted for the next 22 years until Lucille retired.

Lucille married Robert E. Beard on December 16, 1959 in Las Vegas, Nevada. During their marriage they lived in Lakewood and Durango, Colorado and at Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona. Lucille loved to fly fish, golf, and travel, making 9 trips to New Zealand to play golf with the many friends they had made during their lifetime together. During one of their many trips Lucille and Robert were fortunate enough to witness a night-time launch of one of the space shuttles. It was an experience they treasured. Lucille lost Robert on January 27, 1995.

On February 1, 1996 Lucille married Paul L. Benson who also loved to golf. They moved permanently to the Hamilton area in 1998. Lucille and Paul enjoyed traveling in their 5th-wheel with their dog, Daisy. After moving to Montana  they acquired two more  beloved Springer Spaniels, Daisy II and Holly. Lucille enjoyed her memberships in various organizations including Soroptimist's, Elks, Eagles, Newcomers, and a Bunco group. At Christmas time she found great joy in gathering fancy dolls, toys and stuffed animals to give to the children at S.A.F.E.. She also was a great supporter The Veterans, The Humane Society of Hamilton, and The Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Lucille really enjoyed her friends and family here in The Bitterroot. She loved to go shopping, out to lunch and dinner, trips to Missoula, and her dear Bunco girls.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, her husband Paul, and a Stepdaughter, Lynnda Benson. She is survived by her Stepdaughter, Debbie Kerns (Dale), a Stepson, Paul Benson (Denise), numerous Step-grandchildren, and her very dear friend, Sharon Roberts (Jay).

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton followed by a reception in the Parish Center.  Interment at Riverview Cemetery will follow the reception.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Marcus Daly Hospice Center or to the Hamilton Humane Society.