Imogene (Tyson) Benson

Imogene Benson, 101, of Angola, IN died February 6, 2026, at Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Angola surrounded by family. 

She was born February 13, 1924, at home in Butler, IN to Herbert Ross Tyson and Bertha Bowman Tyson. Imogene graduated from Butler High School in 1942.

On February 28, 1947, she married William E Benson Jr.  There were four children born during their marriage: Craig T Benson, Angola, IN; Linda J Benson (Richard) Ernsberger, Fox Lake, WI; David W Benson (Sheree Behrendsen, partner), Angola, IN; and Louise A Benson-Lochner, Mebane, NC who survive.

Surviving her are grandchildren Meredith (Ryan) Welsh, New Buffalo, MI; Mallory (Ryan) Kauppila, Harvard, MA; William Ernsberger, Lomira, WI; Megan (Len) Lopate, Brooklyn, NY; Dane Ernsberger, Westminster, CO; Andrew Benson, Fort Wayne, IN; and Nicholas Benson, Fort Wayne, IN.

Imogene was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren; Kaden Ernsberger; Catherine & Jane Welsh; Imogen, Rex, Rhys, Rocco & Reggie Kauppila; Esme Lopate and Kinley Ernsberger. They came from all areas of the country to spend time with their Gram.

She was one of six children, Herbert Tyson, Jr, Leo Tyson, Ercel Moore, Doris Hummon, Orville Tyson.  The interactions with the many nieces and nephews were appreciated by Imogene.  The frequent calls and out-of-state visits from Beth (Frank) Grund and Judy (Fred) Panning were a special joy. 

After initially living at Bill’s parents’ farm, they moved to a farm in LaGrange County in 1952.  In 1960 after the death of Bill’s mother, they returned to the farm across from Tri-State Airport.  In 1963, Imogene started working as a secretary at the Steuben County Farm Bureau Insurance Agency in Angola.  She retired as Office Manager in 1983.

Bill and Imogene started Circle B Campground in 1965 with an inheritance she received from her mother.  The campground grew to cover the entire farm by the time it was sold to KOA in 2018.  Her son, David, began working with her and Bill in the early 1970’s and was a partner in its operation.  After Bill’s death September 26, 1990, Dave purchased her interest in the campground.  She continued to participate in the operation of the campground.  The seasonal guests became close friends who would stop by to visit and enjoy her laughter and love.  

All her grandchildren enjoyed working at the campground as well as activities with their grandparents.

Imogene lived at home until July 2023.  Her ability to remain at home was made possible by her close friends Sheree Behrendsen and Molly Butler for the past 10 years.  They provided loving friendship and care for her at home and at Northern Lakes.   

Heart-to-Heart Hospice provided great comfort the last few months of her life. 

A Celebration of Life will be from 2-5 PM, Sunday, April 12, 2026, at The 6 on James, 4080 N. 300 W., Angola, IN 46703.

Memorials may be directed to Community Humane Shelter of Steuben County.