Christine Joan Benson passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Monument Health in Rapid City.

Chris was born to Charles and Joan Benson in Westpoint, New York on May 16 ,1960. Chris went to school in Vienna, Virginia and Box Elder, South Dakota graduating from Douglas High School in 1979. She continued her education and graduated from The Art Center Design College in Tucson, Arizona.

Chris spent her professional career as a photographer in Tucson, Denver and Rapid City. After settling in Rapid City, she opened CB Photo. Chris worked with hundreds of individuals and families throughout her career and everyone loved the artistic touch she added to her photos. In her words, she was an artist and photography was her tool.

In 2002, Chris volunteered to photograph children awaiting adoption at the BH Children's Home. The idea was that the professional photos may help increase the chances of adoption with perspective parents. It worked, as Chris fell for one of the kids named Tatiyanna. She adopted Tatiyanna who was 3 years old. Chris admitted, with a smile, that she may not have thought it through but that she felt she was here to help Tatiyanna find her way. Tatiyanna is now happily married to her husband Jacob, and they have two beautiful daughters.

Chris is survived by her daughter Tatiyanna Blakeman (Jacob), her mother Joan Benson, her two sisters Susan Krauss (Louis), Patricia Coppedge (Dwayne) and her brother Scott Benson (Amanda). Her grandchildren Luna and Lily Blakeman and her 11 nieces and nephews.

Chris was preceded in death by her father Col. Charles P. Benson, Jr.