Background
Benson, Neala Lawrence was born on June 30, 1937 in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. Daughter of Matt Lancaster and Edna Caldwell Lawrence.
Benson, Neala Lawrence was born on June 30, 1937 in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. Daughter of Matt Lancaster and Edna Caldwell Lawrence.
Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Iowa State University, Ames, 1959.
Family page editor Ottumwa Daily Courrier, Ottumwa, Iowa, 1959. Assistant special events and fashion coordinator Boston Store, Milwaukee, 1959—1961. Owner Civic Newcomer Welcoming Service, Ames, Iowa, 1982—1985.
Community volunteer, since 1962.
Past president Red Friars Dance Club, Beta Tau Delta, Ames International Festival Orchestra Association, Festival Guild, Mary Greeley Medical Center Auxiliary, Mary Greeley Medical Center Found.n, Ames Jayceetes, Ames High School Quarterback Club. Past interior design coordinator Mary Greeley Medical Center. Past chair Mary Greeley Medical Center Benefit Ball.
Past co-chair Mary Greeley Medical Center Fantasy of Trees. Docent University Museums. Outstanding individual volunteer fundraiser Story Company Alliance for Philanthropy, 2010.
Past president Story County Republican Women. Past board member Story County Planning and Zoning Commission. Past committee member Vision Ames.
Past president First United Methodist Women, Ames, Iowa. Past board member First United Methodist Church Foundation, past treasurer, board trustees. Past board member Octagon Center Arts, Iowa State University Memorial Union, Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, Mary Greeley Medical Center Auxiliary, Ames Community Arts Council, Ames City-Wide Parent-Teachers Association.
Past treasurer and chair Mary Greeley Medical Center Art Committee. Past community representative Ames Triribune Editorial Board. Past member fund raising committee Israel Family Hospice House, past chair art committee.
Member of Aquatic Center Campaign (co-chair), American Heart Association (public relations chair Go Red Luncheon), Ames Chamber of Commerce (Community Involvement award 1990), Ames Foundation (vice president, past board member, president), Youth and Shelter Services Foundation (board member, past member building fund raising committee), Ames Alumnae Panhellenic Association (past president), Philanthropic and Educational Organization International (chapter LN, past president), Kiwanis (past board member), Cynthia O. Duff Questers (past president), Gamma Gamma, Order of the Knoll, Keystone Society, Delta Delta Delta (alumnae chapter, past president, Grigsby award 1994).
Married Charles L. Benson, October 24, 1959. Children: Jeffrey Lawrence, Jennifer Benson Litchman, Christopher Marvin.