Melba Benson (written by Drew Benson her son and read at her graveside services)

Contributed By

Melba Benson

Melba was born in the shadow of WWI, on a farm in the middle of the great depression.

Her parents immigrated to the US from Albania, a country that few Americans had even heard of, right after WWI. In fact, they had to watch for wreckage still on the ocean from the war during the crossing. They settled in Tremonton, Utah to become some of the valleys best known farmers.

Born to immigrant parents, who barely spoke English, she had to fight to be an 'American'. Her childhood was overshadowed by WWII, a time when being 'foreign' was not desirable.

Melba was the original power-woman, strong and focused. As a single mom and a successful career woman long before it became 'trendy' and mainstream, she had to forge a path all on her own.

Before she started her family and career, she worked in St. Paul MN where she took up skiing, and in Yellowstone Park, some of her fondest memories.

She managed a film library for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, shipping educational resources nationwide to all the bureau schools. She retired after 25 years of service.