Bernita Patrick, 82, of Hendricks, Minnesota, formerly of White, South Dakota, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018, at the Hendricks Nursing Home.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in White, beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will immediately follow the service at the White Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will also be held at the church, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. the evening prior, Monday, June 11, 2018.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bernita Mae (Benning) Patrick was born on August 13, 1935, at Bridgewater, SD to Adolphine (Schultz) and Elijah Benning.  In 1942 she moved with her family to Parker, SD, where she attended country school Dist. 17, and graduated from Parker High School.  On July 18, 1954, she was united in marriage to Murl Patrick at White, SD.  The Patricks lived in White until Murl was called into the U.S. Army, after which they moved to Colorado Springs, CO. were Murl served his remaining time at Ft. Carson.  They moved back to White in 1957, and purchased the Harry Dempsey Farm in 1959.  Bernita and Murl remained on the farm until 1986, when they moved into White.

Bernita (Bernie) was a member of the Oak Lake Birthday Club, The United Methodist Church (serving as Secretary on the Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Administrative Board), UMW, Esther Circle (holding office as Chairman, President, and Secretary, as well as serving on the Service Team).  She was a member of the Circle and Swing Square Dancers.  Bernita was also a member of the White Community Club, and held the office of Secretary for several terms.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxillary, and the Deubrook PTA.  She was also an assistant 4-H leader for 15 years.

Bernita was employed at the White Care Center as a Dietary Aide for 11 years.  She also spent two years at the SDSU Food Services Department as a Line Server.

Bernita especially enjoyed her family, cooking, dancing, country music, camping, rummage sales, and collecting owl ornaments.

Bernita is survived by her sons: Gene (Pam) Patrick of New Underwood, Gary (Rhonda) Patrick of Aurora, Dale (Kay) Patrick of Brookings, Dan (Sondra) Patrick of Brookings, and James (Susan) Patrick of Watertown; daughter, Jo Patrick of Brookings; and brothers: Norman Benning, and Darold Benning; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Murl; daughter, Donna Patrick; grandchildren: Ashley Patrick, Brady Patrick, and Adam Patrick; and siblings: Leonard Benning, Bernard Benning, Fern Bobier, and Denise Holmberg.

The family requests that memorials be made in Bernita's memory to the Fairview Cemetery Fund in White, South Dakota.