Reba Nell Grandrud, Dr.

Dr. Reba Nell Sweatt Benge Wells Grandrud

February 1932 – August 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Reba Nell Sweatt Benge Wells Grandrud, a distinguished historian, educator, and advocate for the preservation of Southwestern history. 

Reba Sweatt was born and raised in Lea County, New Mexico.  Reba married Melton (M.C.) Benge in 1951in Lovington, they started their family of four children, eventually relocating to Albuquerque where she completed her education with degrees from the University of New Mexico in education and history and started her career as an educator with the Albuquerque Public School system. Moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1982 her passion for history flourished and she devoted over 30 years to historical research, writing and publishing.  Her scholarly work focused on the Southwest, and she contributed to numerous research projects and publications, including The Yuma Crossing, Sunnyslope, and Addie Slaughter, The Girl Who Met Geronimo. Her expertise and commitment extended beyond writing and research, as she actively participated in historical societies and trail organizations across New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. 

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Grandrud held several prestigious positions. She served as the Heritage Fund Planner and Coordinator of the National Register of Historic Places for Arizona, as well as for the State Historic Preservation Office. She also led the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Papago Park, Phoenix, where her leadership furthered the appreciation and understanding of Arizona's rich history.

Reba Grandrud's research interests were diverse, covering significant historical sites such as the San Bernardino Ranch in southern Arizona and the Richard DeKuhn homestead in Cherry, Arizona. As the research historian for the Yuma Crossing Foundation, she contributed to the development of programs and interpretation of Fort Yuma and the Quartermaster Depot.

Dr. Grandrud's influence extended into the community through her service on the board of the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame, an organization that honors women who have made significant contributions to Arizona and its communities. Her work was recognized with numerous accolades, including the Arizona Culturekeepers Historian Award and the esteemed Sharlot Hall Award for her dedication to the promotion and preservation of Arizona history. Her commitment to local history was further evidenced by her volunteer work and board membership with the Sunnyslope Historical Society.

Reba was passionate about the historic trails, was active with the Oregon-California Trail Association, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and the Old Spanish Trail, of which she was a past president. In addition to her roles in preservation and education, she served as a member and past president of Westerners International, past Sheriff of the Scottsdale Corral, a speaker for the Arizona Humanities Road Scholar Program, and a member of the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame Board.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Reba Grandrud was a devoted matriarch. She is survived by her children, Nansi Jones and husband Chris of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Cris Benge and wife Tamara of Columbus, Ohio; Carl Benge and wife Lisa of Caldwell, Texas; and daughter-in law Pamela Benge of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren, Vanessa Martin-McCormick and husband Ryan, Celissa Apodaca and husband Rich, Zach Benge and partner Elyse, Audra Benge, Caitlin DeLeon and husband Clayton, and Christian Benge, Colton (CJ) Benge and wife Jessica, Caleb Benge, and Kaci Benge and fiancé Grant Gomez; and nine great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Norman Grandrud and her son James Colin Benge. 

Reba W. Grandrud's legacy will live on through her invaluable contributions to the preservation and understanding of Southwestern history. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals she inspired through her work.