Elinor Kay (Benson) Milliron

Elinor “Kay” Milliron (Benson), 81, of Anoka, MN, died on June 18, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Kay was born January 10, 1942, to Leslie and Sarah Benson in Savannah, GA. Her family moved to MN where she graduated from Bloomington High School. Kay went to college to learn data punch/data processing systems. After completion, she found work at the Twin Cities Ford Motor Company plant in St. Paul, MN. Not too long after, she met another employee in the company bowling league, George Milliron, and they married on May 29, 1965.

As a young couple, they started their family in Burnsville, MN and in 1977 they moved to Cambridge, where she remained until George’s death in 2000. Kay and George raised five children at their hobby farm. She enjoyed the rural life by preserving, gardening, and raising various critters.

In 2001, Kay started the second chapter of her life by purchasing a townhome in Anoka, MN. She found a wonderful companion in a special friend and former high school classmate, Ron Whitbeck. They spent many years traveling, visiting old friends and making new ones. She was known for always being up for an adventure.

Kay loved spending time at their lake cabin and did so with her children and grandchildren. She sang in the church choir and was a frequent volunteer at church and her children’s school events. She loved dancing. She was even known to pull off the road to find a parking lot to dance to her favorite song. She was an amateur, yet very lucky fisherwoman.  She had the gift of hospitality. She hosted too many gatherings to count, and her potato salad recipe made her a bit of a legend in our family. Kay enjoyed making crafts, going to craft fairs, and shopping. Finally, she looked forward to special visits and vacations with a small, but terribly special group of friends she made in their very first neighborhood in Burnsville.

Kay had a smile that would brighten any room. She had a remarkable sense of style and class about her. She also possessed a wry and quick-witted sense of humor. Finally, she had a great sense of adventure. She braved parasailing, a hot air balloon ride, and motorcycle rides with her sons and son-in-law.

She is survived by her children, Stefanie (Jeff) Schroeder of North Carolina, Brian Milliron of Stanchfield, Shawn Milliron of Kentucky, Christina (Matt) Skally of Washington & Daughter-in-law Bonnie Supan of St. Cloud; Grandchildren, Andrea, Nathan, Vincent, Jack, William, Heidi, Kayla, Alexandra, Mikaela, Liam, Dominic, and Christian; Great Grandchildren, Michael, Jennifer, Harleigh, Jessamine, Mia, Ashton, Malikai, Holden; Brother Craig (Karen) of Bloomington: Special Friend, Ron Whitbeck of Anoka. Kay was preceded in death by her husband, George Milliron and son, Dan Milliron.

Pallbearers: Brian and Shawn Milliron

Honorary Pallbearers: Kay’s grandchildren

Memorials preferred; however, if you prefer to send flowers, Kay adored anything yellow, particularly yellow roses.

The family of Kay Milliron wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to St. Therese at St. Odilia’s Hospice Home in Shoreview for such excellent and compassionate care.

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