Bennett Yellow Bird, Sr. died April 3rd, 2017 in Arizona. Wake services will be held on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex in White Shield. Funeral servies will be held on Sunday, April 9th, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex in White Shield, North Dakota

Bennett Cyril Yellow Bird, Sr. was born on March 6, 1948 in Fort Yates, North Dakota to Lane Iron Necklace and Darlene Yellow Bird. He was raised by his grandmother Nellie Yellow Bird. He graduated from White Shield High School. Many of his high school academic achievements and sports trophies were lost in a house fire in 1962. After high school, he attended Bottineau Junior College in Bottineau, North Dakota where he earned his Associate's Degree. He later transferred to Bismarck, North Dakota where he earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Social Science at the University of Mary. Education was very important to Bennett and he always encouraged his family to pursue their educational goals as well.

In 1986, he began his career at Fort Berthold Community College (FBCC) in New Town, North Dakota as President. He remained with FBCC for 12 years before transferring to United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota where he served as Dean of Student Services. Bennett worked at UTTC for 16 years, where he was mentor to many students. Bennett was the first to arrive and the last to leave his workplace.

In 2002, he relocated to Mesa, Arizona where he worked for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) as the Learning Center Director and later retired as the SRPMIC Apprenticeship Program Manager.

Bennett was a loving father, grandfather, a devoted brother and uncle. Bennett was blessed with three children: Farah J. Yellow Bird, Bennett C. Yellow Bird, Jr. (Carrie), and Andrew D. Yellow Bird.
Bennett loved sports, and was a big supporter of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was an avid "Minnesota Vikings" fan and loved to watch all of his nieces' and nephews' games. He looked forward to family gatherings, sports games, powwows and tribal festivals. Another favorite pastime was going to the casino with his buddies. Bennett's trademark smile will never be forgotten by his family and friends.

At the time of his passing, Bennett leaves behind his companion, Delores "Dee" McGrett. He will be greatly missed by his children, and his siblings: Bonita Red Fox, Birdina Fox, Jonelle (Tom) Abe, Doreen (Ken, Sr.) Duncan, Annie Meyers, and Darren (Candace) Meyers, Sr. Also grandchildren: Cyril, Elena, Bennett III., Emma, Braylen and Tala – and many nieces and nephews.

Welcoming Bennett into the Spirit World are his grandmother Nellie, father Lane, mother Darlene, brothers Charles "Chuck" Yellow Bird, Samuel "Boysie" Meyers Jr., Royce "Beaver" Yellow Bird, and uncles Willard Yellow Bird Sr., and Leroy Yellow Bird.