LouJean Benjamin

LouJean Benjamin, 81, was born to Albert “Wildcat” and Nora Frances “Pinchie” Henry on June 28, 1944, in Lewiston. She is an enrolled member of the Umatilla Tribe. LouJean entered into rest on Saturday, November 29, 2025 surrounded by family. 

LouJean attended school at Lapwai High school. She then adventured to Spokane, New York, Cleveland and then made Lorain, Ohio her home with her husband Ernest “Ernie” Benjamin. LouJean was a hard and dedicated worker. She worked with special needs kids, she also worked at Lorain Pellet Terminal and retired after 42 years. She returned home to Lapwai, Idaho in 2002. She was employed at the Nez Perce Express, and then she was a line cook at the Clearwater River Casino. 

LouJean enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, playing slots, listening to music, traveling to elder day events, sea food/prime rib nights, family gatherings, going to the mountains, watching the Cleveland Browns, and watching nieces and nephews’ sports events.  She will be remember by her smile that lit up the room, her laughter, strength, wisdom, and loving sense of humor.

LouJean is survived by her brothers Dale Henry (Lynn), of Orofino, Melvin Henry (Kathy), and Alan Henry, of Lapwai; sisters, Frances “Rockie”Allen, of Lapwai, and Gail Patterson (Wayne) of Kettles Falls, Washington. She also had many nieces, nephews, and family. 

She was preceded in death by mother, Nora Frances, father, Albert Henry; husband Ernest “Ernie” Benjamin; brothers Ronald Henry, Arnold “Muggs” Henry and Leroy Henry; sisters Linda Lou Henry, Marvella Jones, Mardel Henry; Alice Henry, nieces Kathy Rickman, Jennifer Rodriguez, Tonja Henry, Aja Uriona, and Andrea Shelton; and nephews Raymond Rickman, Isaiah Webb, Zayah Webb & Matthew Gone. 

The Viewing Service will be at 6:00pm Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home.

The funeral Service will be at the Pi-Nee-Waus in Lapwai, Idaho on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10:00am. Burial will be at Jonah Cemetery and a dinner will follow. Head Cooks Arleen Henry and Rebecca Miles.

A special thank you to family, Elite Home Health/Hospice, Tri State Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Cancer Center,  Nimiipuu Health, and Lapwai community.