SULLIVAN COUNTY, WURTSBORO – Through a century of change, Anna Benson Rivas has remained constant in her warmth, sharp memory and dedication to family and community.

Benson recently celebrated her centennial birthday on January 30, marking the milestone with a public open house at the Wurtsboro Fire House, where family, friends and community members gathered to share in the occasion.

Born January 30, 1926, at Monticello Hospital, Benson is the daughter of Anthony Rivas and Anna Rapp Rivas Coy. She was raised on the family homestead on Rapp Road in Monticello alongside her siblings, Katherine Rivas Sawicki and Anthony “Tony” Rivas. Even today, Benson holds the homestead close to her heart and remains grateful to have grown up there.

Her education began at the Maplewood District 6 one-room schoolhouse before she graduated from Monticello High School in 1943. She later attended the Brooklyn Hospital School of Nursing, earning her registered nursing degree in September 1946.

Following her training, Benson returned to Sullivan County and began a long and dedicated nursing career. She first worked at Monticello Hospital before moving on to the offices of Dr. Charles Solmes and Dr. Lester Lipson. She later spent 41 years with Sullivan Internal Medicine Group in Monticello, working alongside physicians including Dr. Seymour Cohen and Dr. Sheldon Leidner, before retiring in 1988.

In 1948, she married Wurtsboro native Ralph Benson. The couple settled on Henry Street in Wurtsboro, where they built a home, raised their three children — Jeannie, Wayne and Glenn — and where Benson continues to live today.

Known affectionately as “Grannie Annie,” Benson led an active life beyond her professional career. In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening, snow skiing, baking, traveling, sewing and spending time with family. She was also deeply involved in volunteer efforts, helping raise funds for the American Heart Association through the Heart-A-Thon and 

going door to door for the

Sullivan County Cancer Drive.

She was among the many local nurses and doctors who assisted in caring for attendees during the 1969 Woodstock Festival, a memory she still enjoys recounting.

Today, Benson remains an active member of the Sullivan County Grange and a familiar presence at the Community Church of Wurtsboro. Over the years, she has served in numerous roles, including elder, fundraiser and organizer of repast meals, and is always willing to lend a hand when needed.

“She never just showed up,” said daughter-in-law Janet Benson. “She showed up ready to work.”

These days, Benson fills her time enjoying meals, challenging herself with word puzzles, keeping in touch with family and friends by phone, attending family gatherings and cheering on her great-grandchildren at their activities. Known for her remarkable memory, she continues to stay connected with nearly everyone she has crossed paths with over the years — once through letters and cards, and now by telephone.

She also remains a devoted country music fan, especially bluegrass, and delights in sharing stories from her travels. Referencing a Johnny Cash lyric, Janet said Benson often jokes that she has “been everywhere, man,” and can still tell you the route numbers needed to get there.

As for the secret to her longevity, Benson credits her upbringing on the family farm, a life filled with purpose and connection, and perhaps a little chocolate each day.

Now in her 100th year, Janet said Benson’s greatest legacy lies in her work ethic, faith, love for family and lifelong commitment to her community.

“We have all been blessed to have had her in our lives for all these years,” she said.