Monthly Archives: July 2021

Frances Montour, age 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral services were  held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery.

A wake service was  held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Gymnasium.

Frances Maple Sprague Montour was welcomed to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, surrounded by her family.  Frances was born in Bradley, Mich.,  on March 10,1928 to Adam and Elizabeth Sprague. She was raised in the Bradley Community until she married Raymond Montour on June 6, 1951.

Frances was one of 11 children and is the last one to pass on.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond A. Montour.

She was the beloved mother to Rebecca Wakeman (Thomas), Ruth Hooper (Kenneth), Sharon Phelps (Walter), David Montour, James Montour (Louva), Elizabeth Montour, and Esther Montour and grandmother to Anthony Wakeman, Maria George, Elena Wakeman, Christopher Wakeman, Catherine Wakeman, Suzanna Miller, Joshua Hooper, Joe Hooper, Serena Hooper, Sarissa Hooper, Wayne Phelps, Dakota Phelps, Raymond Montour, Max Montour, Jess Montour, Brandon Montour, Andy Wilson, and Amanda Wilson.

She was the great grandmother to Antoinette Wakeman, Raiden Wakeman, Alyssa George, Nicholas George, Mikayla George, Madison George, Olivia Sanchez, Riley Sanchez, Keziah Wakeman, Madalyn Wakeman, Maximino Betancourt, Milo Miller, Selah Miller, Drew Hooper, Ella Hooper, and Ashlynn Phelps.

She was a member of the Match-E-Be-She-Wish Band of the Pottawatomi Indians. Frances and her husband, Raymond, were the founders of the Society of Indian Missions. She was an honorary member on the board of the Society of Indian Missions for many years. Frances was a very devout Christian and prayer warrior. One of her greatest joys was to go to church.

Memorial Services for Ruby Graham age 77 formerly of Springview, Neb., were held on Saturday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Springview, NE. Burial followed in Mt Hope Cemetery.

Ruby passed away at the University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., on July 1, 2021.

Ruby Mae Weston Graham was born on Sept. 7, 1943, to John Earl and Joella (Ellis) Weston in Ainsworth, NE.

Ruby attended grade school at the Cottonwood school which is located in the yard at the Weston Ranch. She attended eighth grade through high school in Springview, NE.

On July 6, 1960, she married Donald Graham.  To this union three children were born: Russell, Barry and Brinda.

Ruby was blessed with the birth of her daughter Sondra on Nov. 10, 1981.

Ruby had a love for flowers and plants.  Her green thumb could make anything grow and her flower beds were amazing.  She enjoyed her years working at various Walmart greenhouses, and was willing to share her knowledge with everyone.

Ruby enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandkids.  Nothing she enjoyed more than cuddling the little ones!  She loved to travel and had many interesting adventures and saw beautiful sites. Her recent trips were canceled due to Covid, which was a disappointment to her.  She also enjoyed gardening, sewing and playing games with her kids.  Playing cards with family and friends was also an enjoyable pastime.

Ruby, 77, of Red Cloud, NE, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 1, 2021.  She passed away at the Buffet Cancer Center in Omaha, NE.

Survivors that cherished their time spent with Ruby include her son, Russell (Renee) Graham of Springfield, OH; her son Barry Graham of Chetek, WI; her daughter Brinda (David) Simons of Winner, SD; her daughter Sondra (Mike) Peck of Bonesteel, SD; granddaughters Danielle of Kathleen, GA, and Michelle of Santa Fe, NM;  granddaughters Tara of Downsville, WI, and Halley of Menomonie, WI; grandson Trenton of Rapid City; granddaughter Megan of Watertown, SD; granddaughters Lacy and Ily of Bonesteel, SD; and eight great grandchildren; her brother Ben (Sue) Weston of Springview, NE; and numerous, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Joella Weston, her brother Brad Weston, and grandson Tommy.

Harold Benson, 79, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11 a.m.  at the United Methodist Church in Winner.  Burial  followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Harold Duane Benson was born at the Winner Hospital on Jan. 4, 1942, to Walter and Edna (Stark) Benson, the oldest of four boys. He attended Blue Valley grade school and graduated from high school in 1960.

In 1962 Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army. Assigned to a special unit, Harold was very proud of the fact that he did not have to wear a uniform while serving his country. He was discharged from the Army in1968.

Harold was a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Harold was married to Sue Muzney on May 24,1969. Harold was a truck driver most of his life while living in Iowa. After retirement he returned to Winner and continued his love of playing cards and attending baseball games. He would attend as many games as he was able to cheering on the youngest to oldest baseball players.

Harold passed away July 6, 2021 at Golden Prairie Manor. Harold was preceded in death by his parents,Walt & Edna, two brothers Dale and Tommy, mother-in-law and father-in-law James & Imo Muzney, brother-in-laws LLoyd Stevens and Don Muzney, and sister-in-law Carolyn Muzney.

Harold is survived by his brother Bob (Judy), sister-in-law Cindy Jones (Kelly), niece Bobbi Jo (Scott)Rank, nephews Jay Benson (Carrie), Blake Benson, Chad Benson (Darla), and Nick Benson (Lauren), and Darrell (Peggy) Muzney of Iowa. Two great nieces and 3 great nephews.

Edwin L. Assman, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at his home in Pierre.

Services were  held at 10 am, Tuesday, June 22, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and he will be interred at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.

Ed was born on June 23, 1952, to Joe and Esther Assman of Mission, South Dakota. He was the third eldest child of seven that included two older brothers,three younger brothers, and a younger sister. He grew up farming and ranching, deciding at an early age, that was not what he wanted to do for the remainder of his life. He attended a one room country school until 9th grade, and he was the only student at his grade level throughout. He attended Todd County High School in Mission, participating in band, wrestling, and track, and graduating in 1970.

After acquiring consent from his mother because he was underage, he volunteered for the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood for combat medic training and Ft. Sam Houston for Airborne training. He arrived in Vietnam in early April of 1971. He was stationed at Northern I Corps on the DMZ as a medic for light armor troop with frequent engagements with the North Vietnamese near Con Thein (Alpha 4) fire base. His unit was 1st Platoon B troop 3rd squadron 5th Armored Calvary 9th Infantry Division. He was wounded in heavy combat on May 18,1971, earning his first Purple Heart. Ed was able to return to his unit, however, he was seriously injured again on June 18 that same year, earning his second Purple Heart. He was able to leave for home to heal and recuperate in late August on convalescent leave, but later returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg. He worked as an Airborne medic until he obtained an honorable discharge in July of 1972.

After being discharged from the Army, Ed was hired as the youngest ever (at that time) for the South Dakota Highway Patrol, at the age of 21. He quickly rose through the ranks, as he was promoted to sergeant in 1982, and lieutenant in 1990, where he was eventually stationed in Pierre. He had a variety of accomplishments, including the youngest sergeant, the youngest lieutenant, and the SWAT team leader. He was even the first trooper awarded the Meritorious Service Ribbon for apprehending hundreds of drug offenders. He also taught drug tactics at the police academy. During his time as a State Trooper, Ed was the leader of various security details, including President George H. W. Bush when he visited South Dakota. Unfortunately, in 1997, due to heart complications, Ed had to medically retire early. Since that time, he continuously worked as an investigator for the Crime Victims Program and had his own private investigation firm.

Family and friends can attest that Ed had an incredible sense of humor, and was extremely witty, well read, and very articulate. He was a true patriot. Ed was also very passionate about history and would frequently attend Mountain Men Rendezvous with full pre-1840 era Fur Trade re-enactments, that included the correct attire, housing, and weapons. He was always up for a road trip or any impromptu adventure. He was not only a loving husband, father, brother; overall friend to everyone that knew him. Just know you were all loved by him.

Grateful for sharing Ed’s life and survived by his loving wife, Josephine, sons, Clint (Shannon), Colter, and Bridger, brothers, Dave (Diana), Greg (Cindy), Chris (Cathy), Brad (Debra), Mike (Darla), sister Mary Beth (Chris Lovejoy), and grandchildren, Aubrey, William, and Ethan.

Proceded in death by his parents, Joe and Esther, infant sisters Jean and Kimberly, and little brother Gordon.

With a heavy heart we are saddened by the loss of a true patriot who was willing to take a bullet for his country and did take a bullet for his country.