Patricia Benton

Patricia Murray Benton, 62, died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at Northside Hospital in Cumming, Ga. Mrs. Benton was born April 10, 1951, in Boston, Mass., the daughter of George and Virginia Murray. Patti grew up in various places such as Rhode Island, New Jersey, Illinois, Arizona and Ohio. Her father worked for NCR Corporation for many years and he was transferred to numerous cities throughout the country for his career. Patti graduated from high school in Chicago and attended college in Lamar, Colo., as well as Carbondale, Ill. After college, she lived in New York briefly as well as Boulder, Colo., but did move back to the east coast, where she met her husband, Bill L. Benton of Myrtle Beach, S.C. They moved to the Atlanta, Ga., area in 1980 and were married in 1986. She visited the Durango area many times and lived there briefly in 1982. Patti was extremely fond of the arts. She excelled in painting with oils as well as watercolors, and had a “true gift” with her ability to draw. She was extremely well read and loved music. She was an avid runner and jogger and enjoyed volunteer work at the local thrift store close to their home. She was a lifelong owner and lover of pets and her family fondly recalls that "Patti was a free spirit and was endearing to those that she knew." She is survived by Bill L. Benton (husband) of Cumming, Ga., George Murray (brother) of R.I., Andrew J. Murray (brother) of Durango, Colo., Susan Murray Cross (sister) of Durango, Colo., Paul D. Murray (brother) of Chicago, Ill., Jackie Murray (aunt) of Boston, Mass., as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her niece Sandal Cross, and numerous aunts and uncles. Private graveside services at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, Colo., will be held on June 19, 2013. Father James Koenigsfeld of St. Columba Catholic Church will officiate. Flowers may be delivered to Hood Mortuary and e-condolences may be posted via Hood Mortuary's website: www.hoodmortuary.com