Donna Benson

Donna Marie Benson [Chandler, Arizona] passed away on May 1, 2013 at age 51 after a 3 year battle with cancer. Donna Benson (Barrows) was born in Mildenhall, England, to Richard Barrows, a member of the U.S. Air Force and his wife Estelle (Stella) Palmer, a local English woman. At the age of 3 months, her family relocated to Ellsworth Air Force Base and eventually moved to Rapid City, where she graduated from Central High School. Donna graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Geological Engineering and a M.S. in Geology. Donna worked at Mesa Community College for 14 years as a Geology Professor. She will always be remembered for her quick wit and humor. Donna was loved by her students and recognized for her ability to show students that they could achieve what they thought was impossible by being selected MCC 2003 Teacher of the Year. Donna started the MCC Science Day, an event that hosts over 400 fourth and fifth grade children in hands-on learning activities to encourage future scientists and engineers. Donna is survived by her husband Dewey, daughter Hayley, brothers: Rich Barrows, George Barrows, Kevin Barrows, Carl Barrows, Billy Jo Barrows, Tony Barrows Mike Barrows, and sisters: Deb Hadcock, Danielle Langston, Michelle Barrows .Donna will be lovingly remembered for her dedication to her students, her joy in seeing students get excited about science, putting everyone else before herself, and her wit, humor, and practical jokes. Donna has forever touched everyone who knew her.