ROBINSON, Elayne Nina (Benny)

Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Elayne Nina Robinson, better known as “Benny,” died peacefully on January 14, 2014 getting her wish to join her beloved husband Gus Robinson, retired Alaska Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer whom she was married to for over 63 years. Benny was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 27, 1921 to Louis and Nina Bennett. She graduated from the University of Michigan and served as a WAVE in the United States Navy during World War II where she worked in a conning tower. Benny was a wonderful homemaker to her husband and four children throughout the various locations they lived while Gus was in the Marine Corps in Texas, North Carolina, California, Hawaii and finally settling in Seattle, Washington. Gus and Benny traveled to various countries throughout the globe enjoying other cultures and history. Benny was an independent, bright, feisty woman who stayed active and loved her family, bridge, financial investing, baking, boating and fishing. After retirement Benny and Gus built a home in La Conner, WA, from where they pursued their love of fishing and boating, cruising to Alaska each summer. They moved to Tucson, AZ in 2003, where three of their children now reside. Benny is survived by her children, Linda Lou (Mike) Duddeck, Laurie Robinson, Karen Pedroza and Marc (Linda) Robinson; grandchildren, Rhia Robinson and David Siegle. A final joy in Benny’s life was the recent birth and visit of her first great grandchild Hugh Bennett Hickam, born to Rhia Robinson and Dow Hickam III. A celebration service of Benny’s life will be held in the Catalina Room at Splendido, 13500 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Oro Valley, AZ on Saturday, January 18th at 10:30 am.