(Parowan, UT) - DelRay Benson, 71, passed away Monday, April 11, 2011. He was born August 14, 1939 to James Alma and Martha Verda Robinson Benson in Parowan, UT. He married Diann Miller on February 17, 1962 in Las Vegas, NV. They spent 49 wonderful years together.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; Sherwin and Jimmy Benson; one sister, Lorna Mitchell; and one grandson, Russell Shae Benson.

DelRay owned and operated DelRay’s Auto Body in Cedar City for 30 years until his retirement 5 years ago, at which time he turned the business over to his sons. During his time in business he gained many friends and customers. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and camping with his friends and family. He enjoyed listening to and singing along with country music.

DelRay is survived by his wife Diann, of Parowan, UT; two sons, Russell (Marcy) Benson of Parowan; Daren (Nancy) Benson of Paragonah; one daughter, Marchelle (Heather) Benson of Las Vegas, NV; three sisters, Helen (Blaine) McNicol of Stockton, UT; Jean (Ray) Kaminska of Mesquite, NV; VeeAnn (Ned) Blackmon of Mesquite, NV; one sister-in-law Rowena Benson of St. George, UT; six grandsons, Derek, Bryton, Jordan and Teagan Benson, Tyician and Skyler Knight; three granddaughters, Shaquel, Tavia and McKenna Benson; special friends, Kris, Traci, Russell and Klay Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

DelRay was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He will be dearly missed.

"Dad, we are reading the obituaries, and today you are in it."

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 12:00 pm at the Parowan 3/4th Ward Church on Main Street in Parowan, UT. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 15, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary located in Cedar City, UT. The viewing on Saturday, April 16, 2011 will be at the Parowan 3/4th Ward Church from 10:00-11:30 am. Interment will be in the Parowan City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.

Southern Utah Mortuary