Obituary of Bennett Carl Gay

Bennett Carl Gay, age 60, formerly of Villisca, passed away at his home in Battle Mountain, Nevada on January 29^th, 2024.

Bennett was born on August 14^th, 1963, in Clarinda, Iowa to Clayton and Margaret (Sparks) Gay. He grew up in Tenville Junction, where he started learning about heavy equipment from his dad and about horses from his grandfather.

He graduated from Villisca High School in 1982 and Sierra Horseshoeing school in 1987. He worked for Pine Creek Saddle and Packtrains in Bishop, California for 2 years. Bennett also worked on many ranches in California, Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada. In 2017, he graduated from Sierra Saddlery School in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

For the last 20 years, he went back into construction and became a heavy equipment operator in an above ground mine. He was most recently employed by N.A. Degerstrom, Inc of Spokane, Washington.

Preceding Bennett in death are his grandparents- Cecil and Helen Sparks and Art and Catheryne Gay. Niece, Kaitlyn Cecilia Gay. Aunts, Barbara Sparks, Ruth Gay, and Verlea Sands. Uncles, Don Gay and Darrel Schafer, and a Cousin, Curt Simpson. 

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Margaret, and Clayton. Brother, Brian Gay. Nieces, Dana Gay (Greg Grizzard) and Brooke Gay (Devon Hale). Great Nieces, Natalie Grizzard, Jaylin Gay, and Taylor Hale. 2 Stepdaughters- Sarah Carson and Calin Pritchett. Aunts, Carolyn Gay, Joan Schafer, Betty Cooper (Jeff Godbout), Cheryl Rea. Uncles, Wayne (Kim) Sparks and Ron Gay.  Sister-in-Law, Donna Gay.  And a very special best friend, Amelia Grunder and loving dog, Timmy.  Also, many other family members and friends.