Theresa Clements Obituary

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.

Service Details

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

Guest Book

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers !! I always enjoyed seeing Theresa when I was visiting my mom!! They put a lot of puzzles together! Cherish your memories !
~ Tammie Kruger Bowman ND (3/6/2025)

Hugs to all, she was a wonderful Aunt-bless her
~ Joann Clements Madding Melissa Texas 75454 (3/3/2025)

The Clement Family is in our thoughts and prayers. It’s hard to say goodbye to a loved one but now she is at peace. She was one amazing lady and a wonderful aunt. We always loved the Christmas cards with the yearly recap of everyone of you. She truly loved her family and proud of you. May God help each of you adjust as you go on without her. Love and peace
~ Margaret & Joe Heiczinger Slatington, PA (3/6/2025)

We are thinking of all you folks during this difficult time, we all know she was ready to go. We both have known Theresa since we were kids, she was quite a lady. Joann enjoyed having her in the American Legion Auxiliary, she was always ready to help with anything. Les enjoyed all the coffee mornings with her these last few years. Hold on to all the memories, she was so proud of her families.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (3/5/2025)

Theresa’s family , We were so saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. Lot of memories of her and your family. I had seen her at the living center two weeks ago. May God comfort you has you walk through this difficult time. Love and prayers
~ Marty and Debbie Hansen Philip, SD (3/7/2025)

Thinking of you all as you go forward without Theresa. So many memories of your family and ours over the years. The friendship[ between our parents and the commonality of raising sheep and all that went with that make me smile. Theresa's smile and positive and pragmatic approach to life made her a joy. May your memories bring you smiles over the years to come!
~ karen Pearson Rapid City (3/11/2025)

Prayers for your family. I always loved talking to Theresa she will be missed dearly.
~ Ashley Amiotte Interior SD (3/6/2025)

Cassie and family,
My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs your way.
~ Fawna Geigle Sturgis (3/3/2025)

My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Her love for life & her family was always evident wherever I saw her! She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Lifting you all up in thought & prayer.
~ Cindy (Gabriel) Nuzum Wall, SD (3/6/2025)