Mildred Benson, author of 23 of the first 30 Nancy Drew series of mystery books, passed away Tuesday night. Benson was 96 years old and worked as a columnist for the Toledo Blade newspaper in Ohio up to her dying day.

Benson was independent and adventurous like the Nancy Drew character she helped to create. She studied journalism at the University of Iowa and was the program's first female graduate. She learned to fly at the age of 59. Benson was a journalist for 58 years and also wrote over 100 children's books.

Since the publication of "The Secret of the Old Clock" in 1930, the Nancy Drew series of books have remained popular with readers and collectors to this day.

Ms. Benson leaves behind a daughter, Peggy Wirt. There will be a private funeral.