Helen M. (Benson) Pruyne

Helen M. (Benson) Pruyne, age 103 of Midland died Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at King's Daughters Home. The daughter of the late Ernest and Maggie (Porter) Benson was born July 15, 1906 in LaFayette Township, Gratiot County where she was raised and educated. Helen received a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Alma College in 1928 and was the oldest living alumni. In July of 1929, at her parents' home, she married Wilmot Pruyne who predeceased her in 1982. Helen taught in the Saginaw Intermediate School district for many years, retiring in 1972.
Helen was an avid reader and card player and loved college football. She and her husband had traveled to every state except Hawaii. She resided in Texas for 12 years where she was a member of AARP and the Historical Society. She was a life member of King's Daughters and Sons and had held many local and state offices. As a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church she served as an Elder and was involved in many groups. Helen had resided at Washington Woods for 23 years.

Mrs. Pruyne is survived by her son, Wilmot (Catherine) Pruyne of Naperville, Illinois; daughter, Jean (James) Karpicke of Sanford; son in law, Ralph Schaberg of Lake Wales, Florida; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, JoAnn Schaberg; brother, Carl Benson; and sister, Gertrude Brown.

A Memorial Service, in honor of her memory, will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday March 27, 2010 from the Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Wallace H. Mayton III officiating. Memorials may be offered to the Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1310 Ashman St., Midland, MI 48640 or to King's Daughters and Sons Home, 2410 Rodd St., Midland, MI 48640. Funeral arrangements are by the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home where Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com