Matthew Todd Benedict

Matthew Benedict, age 19, of Moorcroft WY, passed away Saturday July 26, 2014 at his home north of Moorcroft. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday July 29, 2014 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1500 O'hara Drive in Gillette. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the church. Matthew Todd Benedict was born on a snowy 5th of January, 1995 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the 1st of 3 children born to Ginger Mae (Wood) and Timothy Todd Benedict. From the beginning he lived up to the meaning of his name, " a gift of god". As a newborn he was diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. During his life, he was brave and uncomplaining as he lived with the difficulties of this disease.He and his parents, a sister and a brother lived in the Salt Lake Valley for 14 years. In 2008 Matthew along with his mother and siblings moved "home" to the Empire Ranch, where he lived until his death. In February 2014 Matthew's family grew with the marriage of his mom Ginger Wood Benedict to Justin John Gerstner. Matthew gained a new father, brother and two sisters.Matthew enjoyed family time, building with Lego, camping, Boy Scouts, and Seminary. He liked to play all kinds of board games, & Wii games. He was excellent at Spelling, and Algebra. He loved to have fun and go out and do things with others. In 2013 he accomplished three milestones, he graduated from the 4 year Seminary Program, completed his Eagle Rank with the Boy Scouts of America, and attended the temple in Billings Montana.He dedicated himself to serving God and those around him. He loved family scripture study, family prayer, singing hymns, going to Church and the temple. He was a light to those around him. He was humble, willing to please, with a desire to serve. He found strength in obeying the commandments and in keeping high standards.Matthew passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long but brave struggle with Muscular Dystrophy, July 26, 2014. He is survived by his mother Ginger Gerstner, step-dad Justin Gerstner, siblings- Emmaline Benedict age 17, Adelita Gerstner age 16, Jade Gerstner age 13, Amasa Gerstner age 12, and Joshua Gerstner age 9. Also his father Timothy Todd Benedict and grandparents Tim and Kay Benedict, John and Laura Gerstner, Sandra Gerstner, and Judith McCullough. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website: www.walkerfuneralgillette.com Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716