Susan Twillene Benike, 76, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and held in God's grace. She was born on July 11, 1949, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Leroy Aatin Sr. and Wilma Mae (Evans) Gross. Susan lived in Michigan and Minnesota but spent most of her life in Bradley, Raymond, and Clark, South Dakota.

To know Sue was to be loved by her. She was the most beautiful soul and the best mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend anyone could hope for. To those who knew her, Susan was royalty—not because of a title, but because of the kindness, generosity, grace, wisdom, and unconditional love she shared so freely. Purple, her favorite color, symbolized royalty, creativity, and wisdom, qualities that reflected the remarkable woman she was. She was the heart and soul of her family, a true matriarch whose warmth made everyone feel welcomed, cherished, and at home.

Susan saw the world through a lens of imagination and beauty. A gifted creator, she wrote songs, children's stories, and plays, drew and painted, sewed beautiful dresses, crafted toys, decorated cakes, cooked for everyone she loved, and filled homes with music by playing the accordion, organ, and piano while singing with joy. She was always learning, always creating, and always sharing her talents to brighten the lives of others. Her home and table were always open, and she found countless ways to make people feel cared for.

Her greatest gift, however, was her love for her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family were her every joy and every breath. She worked tirelessly for those she loved and loved them even harder. She was fiercely devoted and loyal, offering unwavering support through every season of life. She delighted in attending her grandchildren's activities, sharing quirky jokes, laughing often, and talking sports with them. Her beautiful spirit, creativity, laughter, and endless kindness touched countless lives and will continue to live on in every heart she inspired.

Family was at the center of Susan's life. She is lovingly remembered by her children and the families they built: Melissa; her children Jordan and Jasmine (Matt), and Jasmine and Matt's children Jeremiah and Xanthos; Kristen; her children Josiah, Greyson (Leah), Kaihley and Kaihley's child Bennet; Reese (Michele); their children Tyson (Chelsea), Abigail, and Gavin, and Tyson and Chelsea's children Asher and Addison; and Megan (Tina); and their children Riley (Alesa) and Isaiah. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Leroy Aatin Bud' Gross Jr.(Carol), along with many nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Carol Benike; her father, Leroy Aatin Gross Sr.; her mother, Wilma Gross Lylyk; and her sister, Jill Gross Mills.

Throughout her life, Susan was a caretaker in the truest sense—selflessly giving her time, compassion, and love to everyone around her. Whether through a warm meal, a handmade gift, a song, or a comforting conversation, she left every person she met better than she found them. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, faith, creativity, generosity, and family.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held on June 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bradley Community Center in Bradley, South Dakota. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Susan in the way she would have loved most—with good food, shared memories, laughter, and time spent together with family and friends. A private family interment will take place on June 20, 2026, in Clark, South Dakota.