Tanya Lynn Roy Benson

MISSOULA – Tanya Lynn Roy Benson, 41, of Missoula, passed away Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, ending her long struggle with illness.

Tanya was born on Aug. 10, 1971, in Hardin, the youngest of four children born to Wilson and Rose Roy. She grew up in Billings and moved to Missoula in seventh grade. She graduated from Missoula Sentinel High School in 1989.

Tanya married Cale Stanley Benson on July 15, 1993. They first resided in Kona, Hawaii, and then moved to Honolulu where Tanya pursued and completed a B.S. in dental hygiene from the University of Hawaii. They remained in Hawaii for 20 years, where they were blessed by the birth of their three children, London Mehana, Shaelo Anuhea and Cale Kaimana. Her children were the light of her life.

In 2007, they moved to Bend, Ore., and in 2009, back to Missoula.

Tanya was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Curious, bubbly and creative, she was always up for an adventure or for learning something new. She modeled, made jewelry, played the ukelele, wrote and illustrated children's books, hosted women's brunches, and created wonderful video projects. She was currently working on a screenplay about her challenges with mental illness.

Tanya is survived by her mother, Rose Roy of Missoula; father Wilson Roy of Glendale, Ariz.; her children, Mehana, Anuhea and Kaimana of Missoula; her brothers, Tim and Janet Roy of Missoula, Tony Roy and Karyn Jones of Bigfork, Tracy and Tammie Roy of Missoula; close friend George Scott of Reno, Nev., and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial fund will be set up for her children's future college expenses, something that was very important to her. Donations may be made to the Benson Children Education Fund.

A service celebrating her life will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the First Presbyterian Church, 235 S. Fifth St. W., Missoula. A reception will follow.

Read Tanya Benson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.