Leilani Mae Benson, 82, of Grand Terrace went home to be with the Lord on November 17, 2022.
Leilani was born on September 10, 1940, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Her parents Bob Folden and Bernice Folden gave her the Hawaiian name Leilani which means “Royal Child of Heaven.” “Lei,” a symbol of love, friendship, peace, and honor, and “Lani” means of the sky or heaven above... Leilani. This is true for those of us that knew her, she was fun-loving, a joy to be around, and always welcoming. She was giving and supportive as a mother, grandmother, and community member; she gave of herself to charitable organizations including the Grand Terrace Women's Club. She was involved with the Grand Terrace Women’s Club since 1971 when she and her husband moved to Grand Terrace.
She grew up in San Bernardino and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1958. She was sponsored by the San Bernardino Eagles for Miss San Bernardino.
Leilani married Jim Benson on February 21, 1959, and they raised two beautiful children, Derick Benson, and Wendy Michelle Benson. She was the grandmother to three wonderful grandchildren, Allen James Benson, Brock Riley, and Joshua Dakota Gallegos. Jim Benson said, “the best thing that ever happened to me was Leilani.”
She worked as the executive secretary to the Vice President of Bank of America on 2nd and E Street in San Bernardino, and then she worked for her husband in 1962 until she got pregnant with her firstborn. When she came back to work, she stayed until 1980 when she retired.
Leilani loved people and loved to spend her time bowling, water skiing, camping out, and being outdoors. Her favorite places to be were at the river in Lake Havasu, Arizona, and Williams Lake Idaho, but she especially enjoyed Montana when she would visit her sister.
She is survived by her husband Jim, her son Derick, and her three grandchildren, and her sister Sharon Kay Palmer, her brother Robert Gary Folden.
Memorial Services for Leilani will be held for family and close friends.