Mary Ruth Benson1944-2016Mary Ruth Lanning Benson died suddenly while playing tennis on October 6, 2016. She was 72 years old. She and her husband George had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband and three children, George Benson (Jennifer), Beth Weishaar (Michael), and Sara Streich (Tony) and seven grandchildren, Katie and Sophie Benson, Spencer and Charlie Weishaar, and Jack, Ben and Sam Streich. She is also survived by three siblings, Martha McMillen Gemmell (Allan), Doris Avalos (Rich), and Edward Lanning (Diane). She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Charles Lanning. Mary Ruth was born on May 3, 1944 in Sheffield, Alabama. She lived in Lawrence, Kansas, and graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas. At the University of Kansas Mary Ruth was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Mortar Board. She and her family lived in Houston, Texas, for twenty-two years before moving to Potomac, Maryland, in 1999. Mary Ruth was an avid volunteer her entire life. In Houston she served as president of the Houston Alumnae of Kappa Alpha Theta, Girl Scout leader, and PTA president. She was a child advocate and museum docent. In Potomac she served as President of the Potomac Newcomers Club and as a White House volunteer. Mary Ruth loved athletics and games. She played golf and tennis and was Chairman of the Early Birdie Golf Group and captain of numerous tennis teams. She played and taught bridge and Mah Jhongg. She enjoyed the competition, but not as much as the friendships and camaraderie. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and true friend to all who knew her. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 13th, at 11am at Potomac United Methodist Church 10300 Falls Road, Potomac MD, 20854. In lieu of flowers please donate in Mary Ruth's honor to: Board of Child Care, 3300 Gaither Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.