Grey Benson

Grey Turner Benson, son of Colette and Tim Auvenshine and Casey and Nicole Benson, was born September 27, 2003, in Rapid City, SD. He was eager to enter this world, showing up six weeks early and weighing 4 lbs 10 oz. He was so small, but not fragile. Grey only spent one week in the NICU until he came home with mom Colette, dad Casey, and brother Gunner. Once home, he continued to thrive. The preemie clothing only fit him for a short amount of time.

Grey attended Kindergarten in Rapid City but moved with his mom and Gunner to Texas in 1st grade. Grey attended school in Early, Texas from the 1st grade through 3rd grade. In the 4th grade he begged mom and Bonus Dad Tim to be homeschooled, so that is what we did. Tim traveled for a living and Grey and mom traveled with him. Grey was homeschooled from the 4th grade through the 8th grade. Mom and Grey spent a lot of time together on the road. Schoolwork was always a priority, but field trips were way more fun. Grey and mom enjoyed being tourists in different states. Grey always excelled in schoolwork and was always class favorite (even in an online school). When Grey finished 8th grade, he decided it was time to go to public school. In the 9th grade he started school at Sidney ISD. Grey was welcomed at Sidney with open arms. He immediately made friends and he immediately became the teacher's favorite. Grey had problems with his knees, so football was out, but Coach Rucker still wanted Grey to be part of the football team. Grey was the videographer his freshman year and traveled with the football team.

Grey worked at Brookshires in Comanche for two years and he also worked with his Uncle Tabbert at Debusk Auto in Comanche during the summer. Grey LOVED music. He decided he wanted to play guitar and was determined to do so. His Aunt Bonnie bought him a guitar, Grey bought an App on his phone, and he taught himself to play. He spent a lot of time in his room practicing and playing his music. He wrote his own music and studied music theory. His goal was to pursue a career in music. Grey graduated from Sidney ISD in 2022.

Grey met his love, Amber, while in High School. After graduation, Grey and Amber moved to Austin.  A favorite teacher of Grey's told Grey that if he was going to school for music in Austin then he MUST live at The Metropolis Apartments in Austin. It was the place to be for the musicians in town. Grandma O., mom, Grey, and Amber loaded up four vehicles and moved to Austin. On the day of move in, Grey asked the apartments if they were hiring. They were hiring for an Assistant Maintenance Man. Grey took that job. He worked under Niles, Leo, and Matt. His career at The Met took off quickly. The guys took him under his wing and taught him a lot. He quickly learned that while he loved music, he loved hands on work too. While working at The Met, Leo trained Grey in HVAC and Leo was helping Grey pursue his HVAC certification. Grey always spoke very highly of his coworkers at The Met.

Grey was a lucky kid. Everyone LOVED Grey and Grey LOVED everyone. He made so many friends and even more memories. His laugh was quiet but so contagious.  He helped everybody without a second thought. He was a funny, witty kid, with a huge heart and will be missed by many, many people.

Grey is preceded in death by his grandmother, Sheilah Auvenshine; Aunt Bonnie Auvenshine; Great-Aunt Lori Mehlberg; Great-Uncle Jake Obermeier; and Grandpa Jimmy.

Grey is survived by his parents, Colette and Tim Auvenshine, and Casey and Nicole Benson; siblings, Gunner, Asher, Emma, Tyler and Ethan; fiancé, Amber Anderson; grandparents, Chas and Carla Obermeier, Greg Hough and Angela Fridge-Bliek, Wayland Auvenshine, Bob and Marlys Benson, Don and Paula Shriver, Vickie; great-grandmothers, Marvine Obermeier and Janet Hough; uncles and aunts, Gates Hough, Tabbert (Christy) Auvenshine, Dory Auvenshine, Jamie (Angie) Auvenshine, Jay (Jesica) Ryan, Angie (Tyler) Lamb, Betsy (Tim) Buchmann, Megan (Nate) Merkel; many cousins; several great aunts and uncles; God-parents, April Mehlberg, Dustin Van Gilder, Lucas Van Gilder, and Grant Van Gilder; Grey's to be in-laws, Christine, Alex, and Abigail Anderson; and his Nena and Papa.

Grey's last generous gift to this world was his selfless donation of many of his vital organs to help change several recipients' lives and make it possible for them to rewrite their stories. He had a true servant's heart, and he shared every ounce of that love until the very last second of his life in this world. His legacy will live on in others forever. Mental health awareness and suicide prevention are incredibly important to Grey's family, and they would like all to know that there is help available. Please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you feel like there is no other way out of your current situation. Please reach out for help. In memory of Grey's kind soul, memorial contributions may be made to The Grey Memorial Account (Texas Bank, 200 West Central Avenue, Comanche 76442).

Grey's family will receive friends and family for visitation on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home, De Leon. A celebration of Grey's life will be held Sunday, August 11th at 1:00 p.m. at Sidney High School Gymnasium with Brother Bill Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Stag Creek Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Gunner Benson, Hayden Brawley, Mason Holland, Alex Roe, Cody Laman, Marco Vargas, Clayton Lawrence, and Leo Bowers. Honorary pallbearers are staff and residents at The Met and Matt.

A meal will be provided at Sidney High School immediately following the graveside committal. All are welcome to join the family in fellowship.