Candi Deem, 57, of Ashton, SD, went to her eternal home on Monday, September 9, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. She was surrounded by her family and friends. She was met at the pearly gates by her loving husband, Terry Deem; her adoring father, Lowell "Tiny" Benning; her brother, Tim Benning, her grandparents, one aunt and three uncles.

Candi was cremated and her memorial service will be Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational UCC Church in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. After a time for fellowship and lunch burial of her cremains will be in the Rockham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Candis Catherine Benning was born in Deadwood, South Dakota on September 14, 1955 to Lowell "Tiny" and Geri (Ruddy) Benning. She started school in Redfield, South Dakota but then moved to Lodi, California in 1963, where she lived for over 30 years. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1973, going on to San Jose State College where she studied and worked with Developmentally Handicapped kids and adults. Her dream was always to have a "Downs" baby. She loved helping others and worked many years in this field. She then became a travel agent and loved sharing tips about fun, successful vacations and business trips. She worked most recently at Travel Leaders in Aberdeen until her recent hospitalization.

Candi was very active in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, being a Past Worthy Advisor of Wood-Lo Assembly #20, one of the Charter board members of Sunburst Assembly #1, a member of the Grand Executive Committee and holder of the Grand Cross of Color.


Candi was loved and will be missed by everyone who knew her, but none more than her mother, Geri (Joe) Heim; sister Cyndi (Jerry) Bachman; Niece Amy (Jayme) Akin, Nephew Brian McFadden and 8 great nieces and nephews; and several aunts , uncles and cousins.