Erma Benson

Erma Nell Benson, 96, of Springfield, passed on to the Lord on Thursday, May 3, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born Erma Nell Davidson to Mable Vane and Perry Ellis Davidson in Hartsburg, she married Robey Given Benson of Jefferson City, where they owned and operated Little Nell CafÈ and Towne Grill from 1934 until 1968. They were later residents of Camarillo, California, and Sun City West, Arizona. She moved to Springfield after the death of her husband. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star as well as local art groups and was an avid bridge player. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her daughter, Dr. Carolyn Sue Vacchiano and her husband Joseph; two granddaughters, Camie Meinster and Juli Benson of Sacramento, California; her son, Ronald Benson, M.D. and his wife Patty; and granddaughter, Katherine Benson of Springfield; and two sisters, Bonnie Thompson of College Station, Texas and Alyene Selden of Jefferson City. A private family service is planned under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. The family appreciates the condolences and sympathy of friends and requests contributions be made to the Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W. Elfindale, Springfield, MO 65807, or to Oxford Health Care Hospice, in lieu of flowers.