Carol Benda Obituary
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Carol Joyce Schneider was born July 24, 1932 in Britton, SD to William and JoHannah (Eikamp) Schneider. She attended Britton schools where she graduated in May 1950. During high school she was named Britton Snow Queen. She was united in marriage to Chan Benda June 1, 1951 at the First Presbyterian Church in Britton. They continued a life on the farm and were blessed with three children: Kathryn, Alan and Robyn. They later fostered two young men, Leonard and Kenneth LaBatte, who became part of the family.
She worked as a legal secretary for Harry Nelson and Frank Farrar. She and Chan also worked at the Strand Theatre. She later ran for Clerk of Courts, serving Marshall County from January 1960 until March 1998. She married many couples also serving as Justice of the Peace. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed Birthday Club, the Barn Burners square dancing group and Extension Club.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, making homemade baked goods for them including caramel roles and apple butter. She had a tremendous green thumb, raising a large vegetable and flower garden. She loved music, singing in the church choir and playing the piano.
Carol Joyce passed away Friday, September 19, 2025 at Marshall County Healthcare Center at the age of 93.
She was preceded in death by her parents and Chan's parents; her brother, Ernest; foster sons, Kenneth and Leonard LaBatte; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter.
She is survived by her husband Chan; children, Kathy Bosse of Britton, SD, Alan (Pam) Benda of Britton and Robyn (Warren) Lahammer of West Virginia; thirteen grandchildren, Theresa (Kyle) Groos, DuWayne (Christina) Bosse, Joyce (Chad) Chapin, Molly (PJ) Smith, Laura (Scott) Dreis, Amy (Kelly) Schmitz, Kelly (Basil) Knebel, Carrie (Michael) Severin, JoHannah (Keith) Klinghagen, Michelle (Ross) Erickson, Rebecaa (Shu) Labrum, Angel (Gerald) McGregor and Jeremy LaBatte; many great-grandchildren; even a great-great-grandchild; and her sister, Mavis (Gordon) Benda.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Chan Benda – PO Box 272 – Britton, SD 57430.
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754 5th St. PO Box 216, Britton, SD 57430
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