Clarice LaVonne (Robbennolt) Williams 92, walked peacefully through the gates of heaven on February 23, 2024 to join her beloved husband Chester and infant son Aaron to be wrapped in the everlasting light and warmth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her loving children, Susan Kay Turnbull, Bonny Ray Jenniges, and Steven Wayne Williams were with her in prayer as she gently departed this wonderful world.

Born June 12, 1931 to Arthur and Dora (Halter) Robbennolt in Delmont, SD, Clarice was the youngest of seven and is preceded in death by siblings Georgia, Bernice, Clifford, Joseph, and Robert (Bob). She is survived by her dearest sister Bonnie Novak of Wagner, SD. Clarice fondly (and often) recalled her childhood sharing stories of a small farming community where her father was the sheriff, her mother was the midwife, friends were plentiful, snowstorms were best navigated by horse and wagon, cool spring rains led to lush summer gardens which gave way to root cellars bursting with cans and jars to be swapped with neighbors in the fall, and ohh– the sunrises and sunsets over the prairie– part of God's greatest gifts, and something to behold.

Clarice proudly wore a "slightly spoiled" badge on her sleeve. She was delighted to tell the tale of how her father bestowed her beloved nickname "Tootie" and her brothers often favored her with treats and trinkets from their travels. She adored her sister Bonnie, referring to her as a lifelong partner in crime where felonies came in fits of laughter. She was involved in many activities during her school days as a Delmont Wildcat. She was a cheerleader and crowned Homecoming Queen.

Shortly after graduating, Clarice married the love of her life, Chester Wayne Williams on August 25, 1949. Chester doted on her and her devotion in return was undying. They were married for 55 years. The foundation for this unconditional love continued to grow with her four children: Susan Turnbull (David Turnbull, William Fleming), Bonny Jenniges (Mark), Steve Williams (Tammi), and infant son Aaron Jones Williams whose spirit touched their lives for one short but joyous day (born February 8 and recalled to heaven February 9, 1956).

A legacy of curiosity, laughter, and love lives on in her 14 grandchildren: Brandon Jenniges (Missy), Breonna Reid (Ed), Blake Jenniges (Jessa); Holly Riker (Mike), Tiffany Knight (John), Cheston Turnbull; Michael Williams (Adria), Jon Williams (Brianna), Michael Rensch (Sasha), Maura Williams; Nathan Fleming (Danica), Jake Fleming (Crystal), Bonny Fleming, Dylan Fleming (Elaine). With a twinkle in her eye, she would proudly proclaim to all within earshot, how her legacy of joy and wonderment is on full display through her 20 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren: BJ, Abby, Hannah, Jack, Max, Jenna, Bella, Jupiter, Ora, Estrella, Van, Stella, Jett, Norah, Bode, Anna, Betty G, Sarah, Ethan, Kaleb; Lilly, Eve, Hazel, Maximillian, and Scout. And a 6th great-great grandchild is expected to arrive in March!

Clarice loved to say, "I lived a good life." Here are some of the reasons why: she began married life on the farm in Delmont where many shenanigans were had with her sisters and Chester's brothers. She and Chester started their family in Custer, SD where she worked as a telephone operator and cashier at the Red Owl grocery store. During fire season she served as assistant fire lookout on Bear Mountain and shared stories of lightning filled summer skies and endless choruses of campfire songs like Smokey the Bear and Oh My Darlin' Clementine. Later, the family moved to Hot Springs where she worked at Lee's Dime Store. She then became produce manager at the Piggly Wiggly (where they called her Willie) and she worked for over 20 years until she retired.

Clarice's deep love for her family was always center stage but her penchant for adventure was never far behind. Known as Granny to many, her quick wit and wry sense of humor was a trademark of her personality. She was the uncontested Queen of the Campsite. Always prepared to easily MacGyver her way into or out of any situation and could feed an army on demand. She was a bonafide biker babe riding high on the back of their Honda Gold Wing, logging thousands of miles, and proving her grit with a genuine Sturgis tattoo. Lady luck watched over her casino capers (nickel machines were a favorite) rewarding her with healthy jackpots here and there and she had a Midas touch when it came to picking lottery tickets (just ask Ed about his $20,000 birthday scratch off card!).

Traveling and road trips were among her favorite activities whether it was an annual drive through the Northern Hills to take in the colors, mini-vacations with her grandchildren, fishing trips, or touring the Rocky Mountains from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon. Chet and Clarice visited friends and family from Arizona to Chicago and Niagara Falls to Orlando. Favorite trips included a tour of Philadelphia with Steve's family, camping in Canada with Mark and Bonny, vacationing in Mexico with Susan and Bill where Granny earned the coveted title of cheap-a-skate among local artisans, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Rome with the Knights of Columbus. Granny established uncontested travel rules for her family. If you were going on a trip, the first call you made upon arrival was to Gran-central– no ifs ands or buts about it.

Clarice loved to cook and quilt. Her chocolate cake and potato salad were legendary, and her fried chicken was known to bring grown men to tears. She could stealthily produce your favorite treat pairing it with a distract-the-mom sleight of hand trick that left parents bewildered and grandkids lightly sprinkled with Oreo cookie crumbs well before dinner. Full bellies, lots of laughter, and big smiles were guaranteed at Granny's. She quilted hundreds of quilts (most were hand pieced). She was unrelenting and precise which resulted in dozens of blue ribbons and awards. She taught us how to properly wrap our baby dolls in the blankets she stitched, she made buckets of Barbie clothes, and sewed dozens of custom formals and prom dresses, and even taught her grandsons how to patch their own jeans.

She was a gadget goddess, connecting a VCR in under five minutes and would easily best any instruction booklet you threw at her. She had an iPhone and she knew how to use it to her dying day. She was a puzzle master, loved cards and games, and taught many a cribbage player how to respectfully respond to crushing defeat. She could organize a closet and pack a trunk like nobody's business. She counted change in her head and could balance a checkbook down to the penny. She was a mischievous spitfire, with a squinty-eyed smile, always ready with a quip or a quick joke for the boys. On occasion, she was known to sip on a well aged Scotch and might even (under carport or garage lights or by the campfire under the stars on a summer evening) pull a puff or two from a cigar.

Music and song followed her on adventures and were part of her day to day. Whether it was blaring Rip Tide-io from the cassette player while supervising the processing of wild game in the basement or singing, "I love you a bushel and a peck" when tucking her grandchildren in. Clarice was a huge country music fan with Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson topping her charts. She also loved Elvis Presley and Jazz. She showed us all how to cut a rug and command attention on the dance floor.

Above all, her Catholic devotion rounded out her life. As a young girl she found solace in attending Mass and was a known prayer warrior. Her many rosary beads were worn smooth, prayer cards were always tucked in pockets and drawers, and nothing could make Granny glow like a full pew of family members on Sunday. Being surrounded by her family was her salvation and a gift to those of us she brought together. She will continue to inspire us to find joy and laughter in the simple things, to be curious, to be fearless, independent, adventurous, to treasure family, and celebrate life.