Verla Benson Freeman, 86, of Rexburg, died Thursday, April 14, 2011in Rexburg. She was born April 30, 1924 in Farnum, Idaho, to Harry and Anna Benson. She attended Farnum Elementary and graduated from Madison High School.
She lived in Washington and California during World War II years and worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" while exchanging letters with her future husband Ivan while he was in the European theater. They were married June 21, 1946 in Thornton, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was involved in Scouting and served as a scout leader. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She used her creative talents providing handmade items for her family and friends. She loved having her family and friends visit.
She is survived by her children, Colleen Fulkerson of Antioch, California, Layne (Trudy) Freeman of Rexburg, Idaho, Marlon (MaryAnn) Freeman of Rigby, Idaho and Shelley Dye of Hamer, Idaho, as well as 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Mae (Vern) Scott of Utah, Keith Benson of California and Clair (Ruth) Benson of Utah.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Freeman, her parents, four brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 18th at the Burton LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Burton Cemetery.