With the death Friday of Flora Smith Amussen Benson at 91, Utah has lost one of its most outstanding citizens.
Just how outstanding can be seen from the news accounts of her passing, which note the vigorous life she led, the honors she received, and the many services she rendered to others both before and after her marriage to President Ezra Taft Benson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Still another important measure of her success is the outstanding family of six children she has reared, a family that has grown to include 34 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.
Here is a woman who, with humor but loving firmness, exerted her greatest influence by example. But no recitation of her life and accomplishments would be complete without noting her firm grasp of overriding principles. Consider just a few of the key precepts she passed along to young people inside and outside of her family at various times:
- "When faced with a decision, ask first `Is it right' and let this be your guide. Don't say anything, do anything, or go anywhere that would be embarrassing to you."
- "Though the world is small, don't ever imagine you are far away where no one knows you and won't notice your actions or behavior."
- "Don't be in a hurry to leave your home, the small town or farm. Priceless blessings flow from the good people of the home and community."
- "Surround yourself and your children with high-quality books, particularly the standard Church works and other religious books."
- "There is no satisfactory substitute for mother and no one can take care of her children like she can. The best way to train and guide children is to be with them as much as possible."
Perhaps the best epitaph for Mrs. Benson is the compliment paid many years ago by a friend who observed that the Benson household was "one of the liveliest and happiest places I have ever known."
That observation speaks volumes about the wisdom of Mrs. Benson's principles, the power of her example, and the extent to which she will be missed not only by her family but also by her many friends and admirers.