F. Raymond Benton

F. Raymond Benton, 85, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces NM. Born June 26, 1939, in Westerville, Ohio, to Ray and Edith Benton (née Patrick), Ray was an inspiration who lived a full life with resilience and determination.

In 1962 at just 23, Ray, husband and father of two sons, suffered a dreadful accident as a Class A Lineman at Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company resulting in the loss of both forearms and hands. Unwilling to succumb to defeat, Ray moved his family to Southwestern Michigan and earned a degree in Business Administration at Andrews University. During this time, his family grew to six with the addition of another son and a daughter. Ray provided for his family by investing in and managing the La Salle Hotel in Benton Harbor, going on to build a successful career in commercial real estate.

In 1979 Ray moved his family to Albuquerque, NM and in 1979 earned recognition for orchestrating the largest commercial property trade in Albuquerque. He eventually founded The Benton Company, a tax and accounting firm that he operated until 2023.

Ray’s perseverance extended beyond his career. His dedication to the community was evident through his roles as a Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader, Chairman of the Board for the New Mexico Caregivers Association, Treasurer and Director of Finance at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and Board Member for Tree New Mexico, a nonprofit promoting statewide reforestation. Beyond that, Ray aside Jan his wife of 67 years, had an adventurous spirit and embraced life fully through square dancing, RVing and boating.

Ray is survived by his wife Janet (née Roush), four children (Gary, Jeff, Bill, and Pam), five grandchildren (Eddie, Jason, Leandra, Stephanie, and Sherise), and eight great-grandchildren (Ethan, Trevor, Liam, Genavieve, Coy, Riley, Tasha, and Bodhi). Preceded in death by his parents Ray and Edith, and siblings (Brenda Sherwood and Barbara Brandeberry). Ray leaves behind a legacy of strength, leadership, and love. He touched the lives of all who knew him and proved that with courage and perseverance, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.