Edythe Benson, 89, died peacefully on January 23rd, 2021 following years of declining health. Edythe was born in Hancock, New York on March 31st, 1931 to James and Katherine Mills. Raised on the family farm with her 5 siblings, Edythe enjoyed riding horses and working on the farm. She graduated from Hancock Central High School in 1949, remaining active through the years with many of her classmates, calling themselves the "49ers". She attended one year of college in Delhi where she met Richard Benson. They were married on March 7, 1953 in the First Presbyterian Church in Hancock and made their home here as well, raising 5 children. Edythe was a faithful and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hancock for many years. She was also active in the Eastern Star. Edythe and her husband enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Twin Rivers Square Dance club, an interest that would continue after her husbands passing. In 1982, Edythe filled the seat vacated by her late husband as councilwoman on the Town of Tompkins Board, serving for many years. Edythe was an active member of the Kelsey Community which in its hey-day organized many community gatherings. For these gatherings and others, Edythe could always be relied upon to bring desert as she was an avid baker, having also branched out into wedding cake baking for a brief period in the late 60s and early 70s. Edythe spent her free time in the outdoors and could often be seen walking along Sands Creek Road or working in her yard. After raising her children, Edythe went to work at F.N. Conlon in Hancock. Her husband would often joke that it cost him money when Edythe joined the workforce at F.N. Conlon because she shopped every day she worked. She also drove bus for the Hancock Central School District for many years. She truly enjoyed both jobs. Edythe is predeceased by her husband Richard and son, Frederic Benson, as well as by her siblings Claire Mills Collins and James Mills Jr, and her son in law, William Gotthardt. She is survived by four daughters, Claire Gotthardt, Katherine (Bill) Kelly, Carolyn (Liz) Hayes, Aileen (Bob) Muller, 10 grandchildren, Daniel (Miranda) Gotthardt, Jared Gotthardt, Sarah (Kyle) Johnson, Reid Kelly, Anne Kelly, Rachel (Ryan) Smith, Rebecca Hayes, Stephanie Muller, Kristina Muller, and Samantha Muller, and 4 great grandchildren, Trinity and Taylor Gotthardt, and Peyton and Evan Johnson. She is also survived by her siblings Louise Mills Hawley and Frederic Mills, sisters-in-law Janet Castaldy and Linda Reese and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18th, 2021 from 11AM-12PM with a memorial service following at 12PM all to be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Hancock, NY. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Hancock. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hancock Education Foundation, PO box 819, Hancock, NY, 13783, in memory of Edythe Mills Benson. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. SERVICES Visitation Sunday, July 18, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM First Presbyterian Church 217 W. Main St. Hanccok, NY 13783 Memorial Service Sunday, July 18, 2021 12:00 PM First Presbyterian Church 217 W. Main St. Hanccok, NY 13783