Karen Louise Benson

Karen Louise Benson, 78, of Osceola died Dec. 12, 2019 at her home in Osceola.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at Kale Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Osceola with Rev. Larry Squier officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Open visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Dec.17 at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family for a tribute decided at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.kalefuneralhome.com.

Karen Louise Benson, daughter of Ruby Leona (Bishop) Squier and George Squier was born Oct. 29, 1941, in Osceola.

Karen grew up in Osceola and graduated from Osceola High School. She was married Charles E. Snell Aug. 27, 1966. They divorced in 1988 and Karen married Bradley Benson Jan. 27, 1990. They were married until his death in September 2011.

Benson worked as a dispatcher for the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department for 33 years, where she was involved with the introduction of 911 to Clarke County. She was a member of The Eastern Star, the Osceola Volunteer Fire Deparmtent Auxiliary and the Osceola Eagles Lodge.

Benson is survived by her daughters Michelle Snell of Des Moines and Melissa (John) Snell-Gunter of Osceola as well as other relatives and many friends.

Benson was preceded in death by her husband Brad Benson, parents George and Ruby Squier, and brothers Norman and Stephen L. Squier.