EVELYN LOUISE (McCALLISTER) BENSON

Evelyn Louise (McCallister) Benson was born on October 16, 1942, and passed away on March 18, 2026. Born in Arthur, Illinois, she moved to Tulare with her parents, George and Gladys McCallister when she was seven years old. She was educated in Tulare and attended California State University at Chico. She returned to Tulare after marrying Reynold “Buzz” Benson, in 1961. Growing up, Evelyn enjoyed horseback riding, swimming and playing tennis, as well as family trips across the country. She had friendships that lasted from grade school, high school and beyond. She enjoyed travelling, reading and politics. She believed in standing up for her convictions, helping others to do the same, and she had a strong sense of civic responsibility. She was fiercely independent. 

She and Buzz would go on to establish Benco Farms in Tulare. She served on the Tulare County Grand Jury and worked for the United States Census Bureau in the 1970s. At one point, she had a local radio show and then a television program to promote local politics and news. She was active in volunteer work in the community and at the Tulare Methodist Church. She was also active in local civic organizations. Evelyn opened and operated an employment agency for a number of years. She also worked for Proteus, a local hospice, the Tulare District Hospital, and the Tulare Rural Health Clinic before retiring. 

She is preceded in death by her twin brother, who was stillborn, her parents, George and Gladys McCallister, and her husband, Reynold “Buzz” Benson.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Cheryl) Benson and Sally Ann (Paul) Carreiro, her grandchildren Nicholas Benson, Johnathon (Morgan) Benson, Jocelyn Benson, David (Lori) Carreiro, Elizabeth Carreiro, great-grandchildren Aria Benson and Ezra Benson, Charlotte Wilbanks and Casey Wilbanks, her sister Sally (Bill) Phelps, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

Services will be held at the Tulare Methodist Church on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with graveside services to follow. Evelyn loved her family, her church and the community of Tulare. She will be greatly missed.