Funeral services will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 5:00 PM (Mountain).
Interior Fire Hall
Interior, South Dakota
In memory of
Clay Jon Benoist
of Interior, South Dakota, formerly of Eagle Butte, died on Saturday, July 20, 2019 on the interstate near Kadoka at the age of 27
Clay Jon Benoist was born July 21, 1991 in Eagle Butte SD to Lisa (Whirlwind Horse) and Allen Benoist. He spent his youth and teenage years in the Eagle Butte community and attended Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Schools where he graduated from C-EB High School in 2010. Clay also graduated with a two year Carpentry degree from Oglala Lakota College. He then began his journey in the world of work; he loved to work. His jobs included working for the Cheyenne River Housing Authority Modernization Program, Maintenance work for the City of Eagle Butte, Assistant Facilities Manager at the Medicine Wheel Village Care Center, and Badlands National Park Maintenance Department.
In 2014 he moved to his Grandma Mae's ranch near Interior, SD and began his ranching life, something he had always wanted to do and he enjoyed every bit of it. Clay Jon loved the outdoors, he was always busy, always had a project going whether it was his carpentry work, or tinkering with tools, always making something; his time was never idle. He loved working with cows, hauling bales, helping with other animals on the ranch, and branding. He helped out at many brandings in the area and enjoyed time spent with his friends and neighbors, which were many. He was said to even have his favorite foods at different brandings. He loved socializing and was quick to help others out and lend a hand when needed.
Clay was always laughing, teasing and joking; he had an infectious smile that will be forever remembered. He was a humble and respectful man, very generous and had a happy spirit within him and was a positive light to many. In his young life he made many friends and touched a lot of lives; strangers became friends and friends became family to Clay. He always had a concern for others before himself, he loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed every minute he spent with them. His sisters Ky and Ets, were his girls, he loved them with all he had. He was so proud to be an uncle to Tynan Eliah and Xavier Gage and even more proud that his nephew Xavier was also his Godson, always referring to him as his "Zavie Baby." He had some very special little people in his life, his niece and nephews, Kylee, Taygen, and Levi.
Clay loved to dance and was quite the dancer, his Mom loved dancing with her boy. She loved his daily phone calls as he would greet her early, each and every morning to tell her he loved her and wish her a good day. Clay thought the world of his Dad, his Dad was so very special to him. He always said there was nothing in this world that his Dad wouldn't do for him. Clay Jon was so loved. His parents and grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and host of friends and relatives, will miss him greatly. Our strong, gentle, handsome, good humored cowboy.... we will miss him always and love him forever.
Clay Jon is survived by his parents, Lisa and Allen Benoist of Eagle Butte; sisters, Kyanne (Michael) Potter and Ettie Mae Benoist; nephews, Ty and Zavie all of Artesia, NM; sister, Megan Lawrence of Eagle Butte; and brothers Kael (Whisper) Whirlwind Horse of Eagle Butte, Link (Talys) Whirlwind Horse of Colorado Springs, CO and Braylan Benoist of Eagle Butte. Clay also leaves behind two families that loved and cherished him very much.
Whirlwind Horse Family, his grandma Mae; uncle, Jonnie (Monica); aunties Judy, Carmen (Sam) One Skunk, Diana, Mia, Lia and Mert; cousins, Dani and Katy; nieces Kylee, Miley, Rainee and Rilee; and nephews, Taygen, Skyler, Ty, Zavie, Levi and Jay. Preceding him in death were his grandpa Elijah Whirlwind Horse, uncle Kevin, aunties Wilma & Sally Ann and cousins Robert and Alan.
Benoist Family, his grandpa Russell; uncles, Nathan, Marc (Alissa) and Leland; aunties, Michelle, Melanie and Marisa; cousins, Deon, Nate, Breeanne, Jocelyn, Leona, Bray, Quinn, Coen, Mason, Neveah, MaeBelle, Luka, Cordelia, Kelyn, Jason and Jared; nieces, Rozllyn, Emme, Jazlene and Sekani; and nephews, Lennox, Rocklin, Lux, Takoda, Dredon, Covy and Conor. Preceding him in death were his grandma Cordelia and cousin Adalei.
Other people that were dear to Clay were, grandmothers Bonnie Miller and Faye Condon, both of Eagle Butte; and Jo Ellen, Norm, and Shelly.
A rosary service will be held on Friday, July 26, 2019 at 7 p.m. MDT with a time of fellowship from 8 p.m. to midnight at the old Agency Building in Eagle Butte.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the Interior Fire Hall in Interior.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Friday, July 26, 2019 - 7 p.m. - midnight
Rosary service at 7 p.m.
Old Agency Building
Eagle Butte, South Dakota
PRESIDING
Father John Paul
Shirley Dog Eagle
Valerie Curly
MUSIC
Jo Ellen Berndt - Pianist
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Saturday, July 27, 2019 - 5 p.m.
Interior Fire Hall
Interior, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Deacon John Apple
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I heard of Clays passing. My deepest Prayers and sympathy for all. ~ Angela M Stover Pine Ridge (7/31/2019)
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South Dakota ~ Angela M Stover Pine Ridge (7/31/2019)
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We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers ~ Jonna and Chip King Philip, SD (7/30/2019)
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SD ~ Jonna and Chip King PHILIP (7/30/2019)
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I'm so sorry for your loss Allen and Lisa Benoist. In the short time that I got to know he was a funny, hard working guy. Always willing to learn. And make jokes. God bless you and your family. Take care. ~ Benny Kasto Ft Yates,ND (7/28/2019)
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We are so sorry for your loss. Keelping you in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Bob and Kathy Fugate and family Kadoka, SD (7/27/2019)
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So sorry for your loss. Prayers and Hugs to the family ~ Kori Grass and family Rapid City (7/27/2019)
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Sorry for you loss Lisa and Allen ~ Albert Bettelyoun Mission, SD (7/26/2019)
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Sorry to hear of your loss, Your all in our prayers. ~ Jerome and Theresa High 6 Wanblee SD (7/25/2019)
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Allen and Lisa so sorry for your loss. ~ Craig Euneau Hayward ,WI (7/25/2019)
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Horseshoe Bar
Clay is an will be missed by many people around here . He was a Great guy and allot of fun.. ~ Greg Barber Interior, SD (7/24/2019) -
Lisa & Family, my sincere condolences to you. May God guide him home. ~ Eli Conroy Hisle, SD (7/24/2019)
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I am deeply sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling and I will pray for your peace. Auntie Mae and family may God comfort you at this time. Love you all! ~ Cynthia Brafford Granite Bay, CA (7/24/2019)
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My deepest condolences to you and your family on this heartbreaking loss. Healing prayers for you Lisa Allen and the families ~ Percetta Red Willow Fort Yates ND (7/23/2019)
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I am so sorry for your loss; please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. ~ Wanda Lind Eagle Butte, SD (7/23/2019)
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I can't imagine the terrible loss you must feel at the death of your son Clay. In my heart, I know his life was a blessing to all who had the privilege to know him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you (Lisa) and your family. ~ Donny Brafford Granite Bay, California (7/23/2019)
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California ~ Jimmy Roseville (7/23/2019)
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Thinking and praying for Clay's family. ~ Ron and Connie Twiss Interior SD (7/23/2019)
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Prayers for Clays family ~ Robin Rath Kadoka (7/23/2019)
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So very sorry for your loss. ~ Suzanne (VanderMay) Hoon Kadoka (7/23/2019)
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My thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends, Clay was an amazing person and friend. May the Lord blanket your broken hearts with love . ~ Amanda Morris Interior SD (7/22/2019)
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SD ~ Ken Thompson Wall (7/22/2019)
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SD ~ Kori (Hill) Grass Rapid City (7/22/2019)
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My prayers go out to the entire family in their time of loss. So sad to lose a family member. ~ Jean Horner Spearfish (7/21/2019)
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Clay was a bright eyed little boy when I knew him! Loved to laugh and joke but had a tender heart. He will be missed! Praying for both the Benoist and Whirlwind Horse family.
~ Barbara LaPlante Eagle Butte (7/21/2019)