Georgia Craddock Bennion

Georgia Craddock Bennion faithfully completed her earthly calling at the age of 91 on August 3, 2024.

Georgia was born in Ogden, Utah on May 3, 1933, the second of three daughters of George W. Craddock and Lorna Jones Craddock. From a young age, Georgia was very active, a tomboy who loved climbing trees and spending time outdoors. She learned to ski and fell in love with the sport. Georgia was a member of the ski team at Ogden High as well as the pep club where she graduated in 1951. Snowbasin became her second home, competing in and winning downhill events there as well as Alta, Brighton, and Sun Valley.

It was on the ski slopes at Snowbasin that Georgia met the love of her life, Paul Crandall Bennion. They were married in 1952 and soon after left the familiarity of Ogden for the Air Force where Paul was a jet pilot. After completing his military service, Paul graduated from Northwestern University Dental School. They returned to Ogden in 1960 and opened a dental practice while raising their two daughters, Kitty and Barbara. They worked side by side as partners for more than forty years caring for their dear patients. 

When Georgia and Paul weren’t in the office, they were always together and usually outside. Georgia’s love of the outdoors translated into a lifetime of fly fishing, camping, and backpacking in the Wind River or Uinta mountains each summer and skiing in the winter. These pursuits became a family affair. Georgia was a master gardener. She cultivated a stunning yard by hand, year after year. Even into her late eighties, Georgia never hired out work or yielded to the convenience of a powered lawnmower. She was also a wonderful baker, sharing delicious desserts with her family and friends.

Georgia enthusiastically served her family and community throughout her life. She was a member of the Junior League of Ogden and patron of the Utah Symphony & Ballet West. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Georgia ministered to others faithfully. Georgia and Paul were sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple in October 1975. She served for years as an ordinance worker in the Ogden Temple and as a member of the pastoral care team at McKay-Dee Hospital where she gained many dear friendships.

Survived by her husband and partner of 72 years, Paul; her daughters Kitty Bennion and Barbara (Leigh) Van Dyke; four grandchildren: Paige, Caitlin, Kiera, and Charlie and their spouses; twelve great-grandchildren; and her older sister, Lorna Kennedy. Georgia treasured her grandchildren, and they adored her. Gigi will be especially missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Country Hills Ward Chapel, 1401 Country Hills Drive. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.