Molly Benkert, age 79, passed away in her sleep at her ranch home near Rapid City, SD 9/26/2022, surrounded by family.

Molly was a lifetime educator, working in elementary education until her retirement in 2003. She took this career very seriously and spent her school years and summers involving her children in creating supplies and specialty items needed to help her students excel. She was awarded the Douglas School District Teacher of the Year in 1988 and received an award for her participation in Governor Janklow’s Technology in Education Program in 1998.

Following her formal retirement, she went on to continue in a substitute teaching capacity for many years, and later worked with her Granddaughter to provide 1:1 education to help her succeed.

Molly was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with her family, supporting them in all their endeavors, including horseback riding, camping, ranch chores, and air shows. She was known to readily give up any of her own desires to support those of her family.

Molly had a special gift for recognizing what others would need or appreciate and went out of her way to put a smile on people’s faces.

Molly was an active member and longtime newspaper editor and web coordinator for the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 39. She was involved in this Chapter alongside her husband who worked in aviation for nearly 50 years.

Molly was preceded in death by her parents “Jack” and Betty White, brothers Mike and Kelly White, and Great-nephew Austin White.

She is survived by her husband Daniel Benkert, daughters Jenni Murray and Kim (Mike) Harding, grandsons Lucas (Sarah) and Logan Roderick, granddaughter Haley Murray, brother-in-law Fred (Mary) Benkert, and sister-in-laws Becky White, Jan White, Norma (Warren) Duff and Pat (Steve) Pederson. She has numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In keeping with Molly’s desire to support others over herself, donations in her name to Tunnels To Towers, or the American Cancer Society, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.