Catherine Hazel Bennett, age 81, of Huron, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. A private family graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2011, at the Riverside Cemetery in Huron. Her public visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, November 26, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wolsey, SD, with a prayer service to begin at 7:00 p.m. at the church Saturday night. Catherine Hazel Walton Bennett, the daughter of Leslie O. and Hazel A. (Hart) Walton, was born on October 26, 1930, on the family farm near Hitchcock, SD. She attended school at Bonilla and then attended Alley Country School south of Cavour, SD. (Completed 1st through 8th grade in May 1945). Catherine attended Cavour High School, graduating Salutatorian (second highest) of her class in May 1949. Catherine then attended Northwest College of Commerce, graduating with a business degree. While attending Northwest College of Commerce, Catherine met John Eldon Bennett. They eloped on July 1, 1950. They were married in Mitchell, SD. Catherine has lived in the Huron area all but 1966 and 1967 when she lived in Cherokee, Iowa. After graduation, Catherine worked at Swift and Company, egg and poultry company until July 1, 1950. She then worked for the Standard Oil Company for about 6 years, before becoming a homemaker until the fall of 1968. Catherine then went to work for the Huron Clinic as a receptionist for almost 30 years. Catherine was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, the VFW Women's Auxiliary, and the American Lutheran Church in Huron. She enjoyed reading, embroidery and baking. Grateful for having shared in her life are children, Elda H. (James) Hohenthaner of Rapid City, SD, Nancy L. Clouser of Wolsey, SD, John L. Bennett of Sioux Falls, SD, and Mary A. Bennet of Huron, SD; 4 grandchildren, Michael A. Clouser of Huron, SD, Cathy D. Clouser of Wolsey, SD, Crystal J. Hohenthaner of Rapid City, SD, and Tonya R. Hohenthaner of Brookings, SD; great-grandchild, Kimberlie A. Clouser of Wolsey, SD; former son-in-law, Tracy A. Clouser; sister, Marian Crippen of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Bernard (Jean) Walton of Rapid City, SD; sisters-in-law, Jesse Barton and Patty Kearney, both of Huron, SD; and several nieces and nephews. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John E. Bennett in 1967; mother- and father-in-law; brothers-in-law; and sister-in-law.