Dorothy Bell Benson, age 99, of West Concord, died Sunday, August 16, 2015 at the Fairview Care Center, Dodge Center. Dorothy was born May 14, 1916 in Milton Township, Minnesota the daughter of Harold and Esther (Bueller) Cowles. Dorothy attended West Concord High School. She was united in marriage to Raymond Benson on March 2, 1935 in Milton Township and made their home in West Concord where they farmed. Dorothy worked for Dodge County Human Services visiting families and teaching homemaking skills for several years. The State of Minnesota recognized her for dedication to this work. She left the position when she was struck with polymyositis. The disease went into full remission and she resumed an active life. Raymond and Dorothy moved to a farm outside Mantorville in 1970, and enjoyed retirement in the brick home from the 1800s they had lovingly restored. Raymond died March 10, 1989. Dorothy had a great sense of style and love of creating beauty in everything she did. Her hobby was baking elaborate decorated layer cakes. She ordered fabric from New York and sewed clothing for herself and three daughters. (No ensemble was complete without sparkling jewelry). She loved entertaining and getting the best china out for the smallest of celebrations. She paused to admire every horse, bird, flower, baby, and puppy. The family raised Arabian horses and were active saddle club members. Dorothy bought her last team of horses at age 83 for joining the Friendship Wagon Train. She may have dressed well, but she never minded pitching in and doing whatever had to be done on the farm. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in West Concord and attend Ladies Circle for many years. She is survived by her children, Blaine (and Brenda) Benson of West Concord, Shirley (and Larry) Dechant of Tomah, WI; Sandra (and Michael) Broton of Circle Pines; Sharell Benson of Saint Paul; a brother, Larry Cowles who lives in TN; nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents, a sister, Helen Tuttle, and a great grandchild, Trevor Broton. Thank you to the Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center and Circle Drive Manor in West Concord for their wonderful and caring staffs. They treated her like their own Mom. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home-West Concord on Saturday, August 29, 2015 from 10 AM to 11 AM followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 AM in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Pine Island Cemetery. Visitation: 08/29/2015 10:00 08/29/2015 11:00 Service: 08/29/2015 11:00