Phillis Bentson

A graveside service for Phillis Ann (Schmitz) Bentson, age 85, of Bonesteel, SD, was held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastor John Wenzel officiating.

Honorary urn bearers were all of Phillis’s grandchildren: Ronnie Derek, Lucy, Justin, Keri, Krystal, Kassi, Nicole, Cody, Sara, Will, Caitlin, Matthew, Dawson, Nichole, and Matthew.

Interment was also at Rosebud Cemetery. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Phillis was born on October 12, 1940, to Clarance and Mary (Darcy) Schmitz. She grew up in Bonesteel, SD, where she attended Bonesteel High School, graduating in 1958. Phillis later attended Springfield College, where she earned her teaching certificate.

She taught 3rd grade in Gregory, SD, for one-year and worked with Head Start in Eldora, IA, and Bonesteel. She later became the business manager for the Bonesteel School District, where she served until her retirement.

Phillis was united in marriage to the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Ronald Bentson, on May 28, 1960. To this union four children were born: Rhody (Velda) Bentson, Jody (Kelly) Bailey, Tracy (Leonard) Reiser, and Julie (Jason) Semmler. She was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church and had very strong, unwavering faith. One pastor said, “There is a special place in heaven for you.” Rumor has it he may have said that because of all the years she lovingly put up with Ronnie.

She loved being outdoors and could be found mowing yards throughout the town. She walked nearly everywhere she went until her health declined. She retired from mowing the Bonesteel Cemetery at the age of 81. Phillis spent many days cutting, splitting, and stacking wood with her chainsaw for their woodstove. She will be remembered by her children for snow day cinnamon rolls.

In her later years, Phillis enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren participate in sporting events and dance recitals and attending numerous birthday celebrations. She rarely missed Brooklyn and Brysen Bailey’s rodeo events.

Phillis was called home on February 4th, 2026. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ronald “Ronnie” of Bonesteel; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; six siblings: Bill (Elda) Schmitz, Tammy Mahaffey, Rose (Jim) Selle, Norbert (Karen) Schmitz, Victor (Leanna) Schmitz, Rick (Jane) Schmitz; and numerous nieces, nephews, honorary grandchildren, and friends.

Phillis was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Mike; greatgrandson Kaden Paulson; and her brother-in-law Bob Mahaffey.