TRAVERSE CITY — Jean Elizabeth Benson, 91, of Traverse City, passed away April 14, 2012, at Orchard Creek Assisted Living.Jean was born on Feb. 13, 1921, to Andrew and Valora (Griffin) Whitsell in Muskegon. Prior to graduation from Shelby High School, Jean met Everett Charles Benson. They later married in Shelby.Jean enjoyed golfing, dancing and playing bridge. She and Everett were members at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club, the Traverse City Elks Club, the Sebring Elks Club and Golf Hammock Club in Sebring, Fla.Jean was a very elegant and caring woman, and will be deeply missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her son, Ron Benson, of Traverse City and Hudson, Fla., Chuck (Barb) Benson, of Traverse City; grandsons, Brian (Amy) Benson, of Ludington, and their son, Blake; and Griffin, Andrew, and Matthew Benson, all of Traverse City; many nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Shelly Tomlinson and Sandy Archambeau, and nephew, Billy Tomlinson; and Jean's beloved schnauzer, Benny.Jean was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, David Whitsell; and sisters, Greta Aebig and Jackie Peets.A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, followed by burial at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.Memorial contributions in memory of Jean may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society or the Father Fred Foundation.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.