Russell G. Benson, 85, passed away July 17, 2022, having been surrounded by his loving family in his final days. Russell was born to Glenn and Virginia Benson in Salt Lake City, UT on March 6, 1937. Russ was raised on a mink farm in West Jordan, UT, where, as the oldest of seven children, he developed a strong work ethic. He was a proud “Beetdigger,” graduating from Jordan High in 1955.
Russ met his wife, Barbara Woodbury, while they were both attending the University of Utah. He graduated with an electrical engineering degree. Soon after graduation, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. They began their married life in Scottsdale, AZ and later moved to Mesa.
Russ’s childhood hobby of building radios in his basement inspired his profession in electrical engineering, which led to a long career at Motorola GED. While there, he was inducted as an associate member of the Scientific Advisory Board and ultimately became president. He retired as Chief Engineer of Advanced Manufacturing and Test. His career coincided with the pioneering age of space flight, and he helped develop critical advancements in space communication.
He gave a lifetime of faithful service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where kindness and compassion were his legacies. He carried the profound impact of his service in the Southwest Indian Mission his entire life. He served a full-time CES mission with his wife, Barbara, and a service mission at the Mesa, AZ bishop’s storehouse. He spent many years working with scouts and young adults. His prior callings prepared him for his later service as a young adult ward bishop, a calling he treasured deeply.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John. He is survived by Barbara and their children: Deborah (Bryant) Larsen, David (Cynthia), Michael (Marissa), Karla (Michael) Allen, their grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Douglas, Annette Woolley, Bonnie Busco, Richard, and Robert.
Russ cherished his family, who felt incredibly blessed by his optimism, wise counsel, and remarkable example. Services are at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23 at 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ, preceded by a visitation from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. as well as on Friday, July 22 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the same location.
For those who are unable to attend the services, please join us by using the following link: https://youtu.be/tPpVGKCOFsM
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Barbara & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. I used to see him at the gym and he was always so friendly. He truly was a remarkable person and personified such kindness and enthusiasm for life. May the Lord bless your family at this difficult time. Sure love all of you!
Maryann Taylor Bethea
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of our dear cousin, Russel. He was a great guy, l have always enjoyed his happy spirit as all the Bensons have. Especially grateful that we were able to see him last year at mom’s funeral. We will miss him very much and pray that our father in heavens comforting spirit to be with your family as you mourn his loss. All our love to you, Dee and Jolene Stoker!
Co
Barbara and Family: My sincere condolences on Russ’ passing. I know the busyness, the joyful reflecting and the pain and that follows. Let the Holy Ghost be the Comforter. He knows how to do it. Hold on to each other and know that you will see and be with him again. You and your family were and are exemplary. Love You.
Barbara, I’m so sorry to read of the passing of your husband but I’m happy to see that you are still living. It’s so great that we believe what we do about death and the happiness of being reunited we family members who have passed earlier. So many people do not know this and have this comfort.
Trudy and I share our love and condolences to the family and friends of Russ. My life would not be as grand as it has been without Russ. He plucked me out of the California craziness and took a chance on me be hiring me, a fellow electronics engineer, at Motorola Scottsdale facility. I do believe it was his kind leadership that I blossomed and grew in my professional ability to excel. He was not just my boss, but a very dear friend to me and my family. He was easy to admire and grew to love him and his family. I’ll see you again, Russ, save me a spot for lunch.
I am so grateful for all that Russ did to help Karla I.I will never forgot how much work he did to help us move in when we got married. There is no doubt that he is going straight to work and blessing people from and on the other side of the veil
Barbara, Sorry to read in the Deseret News that Russ has passed away. Ron and I remember both of you from Lambda Delta Sigma at the University of Utah. It was interesting to learn that you have both been active in the Church, Russ had a very successful career, and you have been blessed with 4 children and their families. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family. Love, Marilyn (Woodland) Hardy