Ronald "Ron" Lee Benton

Ronald (Ron) Lee Benton, age 72, of Guthrie Center, Iowa was called to his heavenly home on Friday August 5,2022. Ron was born in Jefferson, Iowa on September 25, 1949, to Veryl and Arlene (Sorensen) Benton. Ron graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1968. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Iowa State University. He honorably served his country in the Army National Guard for six years and was a member of the American Legion Post 124 in Guthrie Center. Ron married Connie Laughery and they were blessed with four children, Jean, Lori, Craig, and Julie. They made their home on a farm near Coon Rapids where they raised hogs and cattle. After the two divorced, Ron married, Donna (Cheney) on January 18, 1997, where he lovingly embraced adding three additional daughters to his family – Jessica, Jill, and Jinny. Ron was a devoted family man and adored his kids and grandkids. He loved watching them show livestock, cheering them on in activities, taking them to the farm, and snuggling with them. He spoiled them with lots of sugar – donuts, spice drops, and Mountain Dew. Ron cherished having all the kids and grandkids home for Christmas and other family gatherings. Ron and Donna enjoyed cheering on the Cyclones – watching games and attending several football bowl games. Their home and yard were a labor of love; they put their hearts into it and were proud of recently being honored as yard of the month. Ron and Donna also loved traveling with their friends and Ron’s cousins, who all held a special place in his heart. Ron had agriculture in his blood and his farming roots ran deep. He loved raising cattle and hogs and spent many years working alongside his father and brother Mark. Ron blended this love of farming into serving his community and youth through Guthrie County Extension, Pork Producers, Cattlemen and many years on the Guthrie County Fair Board – including serving as the President for the last two years. Ron loved the fair – the people, the shows, the youth. Ron never knew a stranger and loved visiting with people everywhere he went - whether on vacation in another state or at the sale barn, he always knew someone. Ron loved his family and he will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind including his wife Donna, six children Lori (Joe) Clark of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Craig Benton of Sloan, Iowa, Julie (Tracy) Douglas of Corning, Iowa, Jessica (Bryan) Koster of Plymouth, Minnesota, Jill (Geoff) Janes of Ames, Iowa, and Jinny (Justin) Kanthak of Bartlett, Illinois; fourteen grandchildren Brandon, Justin, and Grant (Lori), Bailey and Casey (Craig), Cash and Jhett (Julie), Landon, Grayson and Paxton (Jessica), Grace and Madelyn (Jill), Jackson and Lily (Jinny); one great - grandchild Ryder (Grant); brother Mark (Becky) Benton of Guthrie Center, Iowa; plus many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jean and parents Veryl and Arlene Benton. Ron will be missed by all who loved him and knew him.