Carla Benson

Carla Diane Benson, 73, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 1, 2026, at her home. She was under the care of Enhabit Home Health and Hospice and her loving family.

Carla was born June 19, 1952, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Gerald James Rowe and Shirley Tanner Rowe Lewis. She graduated from Waipahu High School in Hawaii and pursued her college education in California. She attended Southwestern University where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business, Cal State where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree, and Northrup University where she earned a Master’s Degree. Carla was on the President’s List for all three degrees.

On October 15, 1971, she married Dean Benson in Blackfoot, Idaho. Carla and Dean made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Carla was a partner with Wells & Benson CPA’s.

She was a member of the Lutheran Church, FELC, and AICPA. She was a “Silver C” certified glider pilot. She also enjoyed horses, boating, fishing, riding ATV’s, and snowmobiling.

Carla is survived by her husband, R. Dean Benson of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Matt Benson; daughter, Kristin Benson; brother, Jeff Rowe; brother, Guy (Jacquie) Lewis of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Shane Lewis of Blackfoot, ID; sister, Terri Barney of Idaho Falls, ID; and 2 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Lewis; father, Gerald Rowe; and stepfather, William Lewis.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, with Pastor Mike Knauff of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery - Blackfoot.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Champs Heart.

Services will be broadcast live on this page.