Funeral services will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 91
Theresa Catherine Bennick was born May 8, 1933 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Stephen and Stephanie (Reitbauer) Bennick. Theresa was very active in sports throughout her school years at Holy Infancy and Bethlehem Catholic High School, where she graduated in 1952.
After high school, Theresa completed a course in drafting and blueprint reading and worked at Bethlehem Steel Company. She later followed her siblings to San Francisco, California where she worked for a pharmaceutical company.
It was in California that she met her sailor, Raymond J. Clements, and they were married July 3, 1954 at Holy Infancy Catholic Church in Bethlehem. They moved to the Clements Ranch in 1955 and raised seven children. After her children were grown, Theresa worked in Philip at Horne Farms, Ingram Hardware, and Philip Health Services.
She also served meals and did housekeeping throughout her life. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, Sheepgrowers Auxiliary, bowling leagues, and softball. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Bad River Senior Citizens. Following Raymond’s death in 2002 Theresa moved into the Senechal Apartments where she had many friends. She loved playing cards and building jigsaw puzzles with the other residents.
Theresa loved her morning coffee with the crew at the Senior Citizens where she got the nickname “Shoes”. She kept track of how many times she beat the bankers! While living in California she became a fan of the Oakland, now Las Vegas Raiders, and cheered them on every week! Theresa loved her family dearly and always looked forward to her Christmas Eve gathering and anyone who wanted to play a game of cribbage.
She moved to the Scotchman Living Center on February 6, 2025, where she resided until her death.
Survivors include seven children: Raymond (Twila) Clements, Jr. of Philip, Ernest "Mike" Clements of Philip, Stephen (Pam) Clements of Philip, Charles (Winona) Clements of Wessington, Debra (Steve) Reed of Sioux Falls, Rose (Glen) Bennett of Philip, and Val (Karl) Schulz of Philip; 23 grandchildren; a herd of great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Clements on May 31, 2002; her parents; grandson Brigham Bennett; five brothers and two sisters; and daughters-in-law, Barb Clements and Debbie Clements.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 262 Philip, SD 57567.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a Christian Funeral Vigil at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
A Christian Funeral Committal will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
VISITATION
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 5-7 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL VIGIL
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - 7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL MASS
Friday, March 7, 2025 - 1:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Fr. Grant Gerlach
assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein
MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Brittney Drury - Cantor
“On Eagles Wings” #565
“Be Not Afraid” #563
“The Body of Christ” #325
“O Loving God” #670
“Lead Me Lord” #725
USHERS
Marion Matt - Brit Miller
ALTAR SERVERS
Tel Guptill - Tess Guptill
READER
Mary Lou Guptill
PALLBEARERS
All of Theresa’s Grandchildren
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
CHRISTIAN FUNERAL COMMITTAL
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota