Erma Nell Benson, 96, passed on to the Lord on May 3, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born Erma Nell Davidson to Mable Vane and Perry Ellis Davidson in Hartsburg, Missouri, she married Robey Given Benson of Jefferson City, Missouri where they owned and operated Little Nell Café and Towne Grill from 1934 until 1968. They were later residents of Camarillo, California, and Sun City West Arizona. She moved to Springfield, Missouri after the death of her husband. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star as well as local art groups and was an avid bridge player. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her daughter Dr. Carolyn Sue Vacchiano and her husband Joseph; two granddaughters Camie Meinster and Juli Benson of Sacramento, California; her son Ronald Benson, M.D. and his wife Patty; and granddaughter Katherine Benson of Springfield; and two sisters, Bonnie Thompson of College Station, Texas and Alyene Selden of Jefferson City, Missouri. A private family service is planned under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. The family appreciates the condolences and sympathy of friends and requests contributions be made to the Southwest Missouri Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W. Elfindale, Springfield, Missouri 65807, or to Oxford Health Care Hospice in lieu of flowers.