Linda Lee “Benson” Tyon, 82, of Tama, passed away, Thursday, September 3, 2026 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. A Traditional Wake will be held Friday, September 4, 2026, at Fox Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM at McIntosh Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Linda was born on December 17, 1943, on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Iowa, the daughter of Phillip and Gladys (Buffalo) Benson Sr.

Linda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Chicago in 1971 and also a Master of Arts degree in Developmental Reading; Secondary, from the University of Northern Iowa in 1981, and Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 2000. She retired as an educator and librarian. Linda lived in many places including, Chicago, Denver, Albuquerque, Fort Yates, ND, and finally the Meskwaki Settlement.

Linda loved to read, travel the world, and enjoyed time with her grandchildren. She spent her time reading and writing, as well as helping many of her relatives. Linda enjoyed a good movie or just some nightly news. Her favorite things to do were taking drives and enjoying a delicious meal.

Survivors include her daughter, Celeste (Rudy) Tyon-Borrego; sons, Cheyenne Tyon, and Skywalker Tyon; grandchildren, Asia Roberts, Isabella Borrego, Cristina Borrego, Jalen “Dugee” Tyon, Krystle Tyon, Courage Tyon, Jamison Tyon, Aubrey Brooks Tyon, Sterling “Bubu” Tyon, Oseola Tyon, Kaytrin Lasley, Jordanna Tyon, and Ruby Davenport; eight great-grandchildren; adopted brothers, Clyde Wanatee, Tony Wasekuk, and Rudy Papakee.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys “Makodi” Buffalo; father, Phillip Benson Sr; brothers, Robert Benson, and Philip Benson Jr; uncles, Michael Buffalo, Milo Buffalo, and George Buffalo; nephews, Richard Benson, and Robert Benson Jr.