Lucille "Lucy" (Goodwin) Bennett passed into the tender arms of Jesus on January 20, 2022, with her loving family by her side.

Lucille was born on February 27, 1931, to Jim and Edith (Rankin) Goodwin at Hereford, SD. Her grandmother and local midwife, Goldie Rankin, had assisted in her birth. Lucille was the oldest sister to Lois, Beverly, Jim, Jerry, Delbert, and identical twin brothers, Teddy and Eddie. She simply adored and loved her siblings, playing a vital role in their daily care, taking and helping with the endless chores. She would often tell the story of giving them all baths and making sure she combed the boys' hair exactly right so they would each have a wave.

Lucille began at an incredibly early age helping her mom bake bread and cook. Further, because her dad Jim Goodwin was only 19 years old when an accident left his spine crushed, Lucille was often "his legs", helping with daily chores and field work. When she was barely five years old, Jim would put her up on one of the work horses and she would lead the other horses' home while he would slowly walk or crawl home from the field. Many nights the family would go to bed after having only bread and milk for supper. While they experienced hard times and were poor, the family exuded a deep love and closeness for each other, making them so rich.

When Lucille was able to attend school as an adolescent, she went to Doyle School near Hereford. When it came time for high school, Jim and Edith were adamant she go to New Underwood, SD, and stay in the dorm during the week. As an essential caretaker of the family, Lucille was worried about leaving everyone at home and all the work that would need to be done. She however told fond stories of attending "Underwood".

Lucille, her classmates, and the American Legion were very instrumental in bringing the State High School Rodeo to South Dakota. Specifically, Uncle Orville Rankin had returned home from World War II and purchased a car that was raffled to raise money. The first State High School Rodeo was held in 1949 in New Underwood, SD. Texas held their first State High School Rodeo in 1947 and South Dakota was second in 1949, and Lucille had been chosen to be the first Secretary for the Association. Lucille wanted to ride a bronc in the rodeo, but her dad would not sign a release! Lucille graduated from New Underwood High School in May 1949, and went on to attend the Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, SD.

Lucille taught her first students at Atall School, a country school north of Union Center, SD, that is still teaching kids today. A fond story, before Easter in 1950 Lucille was riding her horse to school with hard boiled eggs in a bucket for the children to dye. Unfortunately, her horse ran away with her but she was able to get that rascal under control and make it to school without a broken egg! While teaching, Lucille met the love of her life, Junior Bennett.

Through a courtship of riding horses, Junior and Lucille were married on October 3, 1950, at the Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, SD. To this union four children were born; Duane- July 1951, Don- June 1953, Elaine- October 1963, and Marilea- December 1966.

Junior and Lucille spent most of their life ranching side-by-side in Central Meade County. They both loved their cattle and Lucille was especially fond of her sheep. Lucille always had a large and beautiful garden, milked cows, raised chickens and cared for bum lambs. The bum lambs were a source of income to put both of her girls through high school. Junior and Lucille's four children, grandchildren and the ranch on Sulphur Creek were their true loves.

Lucille was particularly known for her wonderful bread, pies, cinnamon rolls, and Long Johns rolls. In short, she was a fabulous cook and baker! Lucille often made beautiful wedding cakes for young couples, adorned with homemade, edible roses. "Apple Pie Grandma" often showed her love for everyone through her cooking and if you were lucky enough to be around at mealtime, you were invited – and often expected – to stay and eat! There was always love and laughter at the kitchen table. Lucille passed these teachings of inside and outside chores and talents to her daughters and granddaughters.

On Saturday afternoons, Junior and Lucille loved working in their yard; Junior mowing while Lucille tended to her beautiful flowers. Then on Saturday nights, they would load the family up and go dancing. Two-stepping was truly a favorite of the couples. In their later years, they moved and made their home on the Belle Fourche River east of Belle Fourche, SD. Having a true love for riding horses and working cattle, Lucille started riding yard back at the St. Onge Sale Barn when she was 65 years old.

Later she traveled with sheep shearing crews skirting wool, where she had become quite the expert! Even though it was physically hard work and long days, she enjoyed the time and especially loved the people she met along the way.

As a lady of many talents and a can-do spirit, she cooked school lunch at the Nisland/Newell schools and in 2002, she started cooking full time in various lunchrooms at Belle Fourche. After Junior's passing in December 2009, Lucille was adamant to keep working and cooking. Her absolute favorite was cooking for the Belle Fourche High School students and teachers, where she worked until her grandson, Justin, graduated in 2010. She later transferred to North Park Elementary in Belle Fourche where she cooked for her little Kindergartener's, who she loved and shared many stories. She laid down her ladle and retired in 2015 at the age of 84.

Lucille and special friend, Clifford Simmons, were friends while she attended New Underwood High School. They were reacquainted after 65 years at a neighbor's funeral in August 2015. While Lucille stayed busy at her country home with her little Corgi, Maggie, by walking the Belle Fourche River every afternoon and tending to her home and flowers, she was convinced to relocate to an apartment in Spearfish in April 2016. Lucille's family is forever grateful to Clifford, as he loved and cared for her with the gift of time and companionship. The pair could often be found going for drives, eating at Perkins, and visiting friends and family. A special time for Lucille and Clifford is they attended the Black Hills Roundup together in 1949, and later attended the 100 ^th Black Hills Roundup celebration in 2019.

Clifford brought Lucille great joy and happiness in her golden years. He continued to visit her two days weekly until her passing at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare, blowing kisses to each other after their visits. They navigated a pandemic by window visits and truly made every minute count when they were together.

While the unfortunate disease of Alzheimer's had taken Lucille's mind captive, her vibrant spirit and zest for life will be remembered by all. She was an incredibly special lady to many and will be missed dearly.

Lucy is survived by her children, Don (Marilyn) Bennett, Elaine (Bennett) Jensen, Marilea (Bennett) Ferris; grandchildren, Wiley (Christy) Bennett, Loni (Chris) Wells, Jordan Bennett, Doni (Devon) Gordon, Hunter Bennett, Jason (Ashlee) Jensen, Jennifer (Brent) Howard, Justin Jensen, Tyler Ferris and Alison (Zach) Brown great-grandchildren, Trevor & Hailee Bennett, Aren & Alex Wells, Kacilyn & Devon Gordon, Jr, Shaelee & Jaeda Jensen and Estelle Howard; brothers,  Jim (Clyle) Goodwin, Jerry (Flora) Goodwin; sister, Beverly Schjenken, and special friend, Clifford Simmons.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Junior Bennett; her parents, Jim and Edith (Rankin) Goodwin; son, Duane Bennett; granddaughters, Lori Dawn Bennett, Kimberley Ferris; brothers, Teddy and Eddie Goodwin, Delbert Goodwin; and a sister, Lois (Goodwin) Hoffman.

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