Click here to view Dolores' Memorial Folder

Dolores Benning, 85, went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2016 at Community Memorial Hospital, Redfield, SD. She was lovingly surrounded by many family members during her last days here on earth.

The family held a private prayer service on Sunday, January 17th. Dolores's memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23rd at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd will officiate. Inurnment will take place at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Dolores Grace Tanner was born on February 4, 1930 to Floyd and Hannah (Hammond) Tanner in Miranda, SD. She was proud of the fact that she started school at the age of 4, attending in Miranda through the 8th grade. She graduated from high school in Redfield in 1947 and from Northern State Teacher's College in 1949. Dolores taught school in Faulkton for two years before marrying Stuart Benning on October 27, 1951 in Miranda, SD. To this union four children were born.

Dolores dedicated her life to her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

Dolores was an avid card player and also enjoyed bingo, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. Stuart and Dolores enjoyed going to dances in their younger years. They were fortunate to be able to travel throughout their lives; including trips to Hawaii and Alaska in their later years. Their home was always open to anyone in need; in particular, Keith Jennings, Mary Clarkson, Angela and Beth Gruenwald.

Nurturing and encouragement of early childhood education was her professional and personal endeavor for her family and children in the community. She taught many years of Sunday school and was also involved in founding a preschool that was later known as Little Lambs.

Grateful for having shared in Dolores's life: her husband of 64 years, Stuart; her children: Kim (Marcia) Benning of Hill City, SD and their children: Alison Thompson and Amy (Gabriele) Davanzante; Joan (Marv Wold) Benning of Plymouth, MN and Marv's children: Cheri and Crystal Wold; Jane Gruenwald of Redfield and her children: Angela (Rob) Turck; Beth (Justin) Haider; Cara Gruenwald; Daron (Paula) Gruenwald and Evan Gruenwald. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren: Brock and Derek Thompson; Liliana and Francesco Davanzante; Autumn, Courtney and Trae Turck; Kolton, Jerron and Kenna Haider; Jaylin Gruenwald and Caleb Johnson; Keegan Gruenwald. Dolores is also survived by sisters-in-law, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Scott Daryl; sisters: Frances and Phyllis; brothers: Willard and Stanley.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the United Methodist Church Youth Fund.

Saturday, January 23, 2016
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

United Methodist Church
1326 W 1st Street
Redfield, SD 57469