LouJean Benjamin

LouJean Benjamin, 81, was born to Albert "Wildcat" and Nora Frances "Pinchie" Henry on June 28, 1944, in Lewiston. She is an enrolled member of the Umatilla Tribe. LouJean entered into rest on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, surrounded by family.

LouJean attended school at Lapwai High School. She then adventured to Spokane, New York, Cleveland and then made Lorain, Ohio, her home with her husband Ernest "Ernie" Benjamin. LouJean was a hard and dedicated worker. She worked with special needs kids, she also worked at Lorain Pellet Terminal and retired after 42 years. She returned home to Lapwai in 2002. She was employed at the Nez Perce Express, and then she was a line cook at the Clearwater River Casino.

LouJean enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, playing slots, listening to music, traveling to elder day events, sea food/prime rib nights, family gatherings, going to the mountains, watching the Cleveland Browns and watching her nieces' and nephews' sports events. She will be remember by her smile that lit up the room, her laughter, strength, wisdom and loving sense of humor.

LouJean is survived by her brothers Dale Henry (Lynn), of Orofino, Melvin Henry (Kathy) and Alan Henry, of Lapwai; sisters, Frances "Rockie" Allen, of Lapwai, and Gail Patterson (Wayne), of Kettle Falls, Wash. She also had many nieces, nephews and family.

She was preceded in death by mother, Nora Frances, father, Albert Henry; husband Ernest "Ernie" Benjamin; brothers Ronald Henry, Arnold "Muggs" Henry and Leroy Henry; sisters Linda Lou Henry, Marvella Jones, Mardel Henry; Alice Henry, nieces Kathy Rickman, Jennifer Rodriguez, Tonja Henry, Aja Uriona and Andrea Shelton; and nephews Raymond Rickman, Isaiah Webb, Zayah Webb and Matthew Gone.

The viewing service will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Pi-Nee-Waus in Lapwai. Burial will be at Jonah Cemetery in Sweetwater and a dinner will follow.

A special thank you to family, Elite Home Health/Hospice, TriState Health, St. Joseph Cancer Center, Nimiipuu Health and Lapwai community.