Barbara M. Bennett

Barbara M. Bennett
Barbara was born August 18, 1911 in Walkerville, Montana to R. Martyn and Clara Richards. She was one of 7 children who lived to adulthood. Martyn and Clara also lost 2 children before the age of 3. Her siblings were Lucy born 1900, Martyn 1903, Alice 1907, Ernestine 1910, Ruth 1915, and Phyllis 1921. Walkerville was a small suburb just on the outskirts of Butte Montana. The family had moved there to find work in the mines.

As a young girl, Barbara was a shy tomboy who mainly spent her time with her family and church. She always loved music and art and was unaware of her own talents until her senior year of high school when she signed up for 2 art classes and was mentored by the art teacher who could clearly see her talents.

Barbara met Benny Raymond James Bennett at her Methodist church in the choir. Benny was not normally a church boy but he loved to sing, had a beautiful voice and an eye for Barbara. Barbara always said he had the ‘voice of an angel’. Barbara and Benny were married and moved to Seattle to find work. They survived the depression by selling homemade donuts to local business and Benny worked for the WPA. Barbara and Benny had 2 sons, Ernest and Nicky and remained in the Seattle area for the remainder of their lives. Benny worked in many different industries, was an avid bowler and became an excellent carpenter. Barbara went to work for the phone company as an operator at the age of 40. She worked there until they forced her to retire at 65. Her pension far outlived her work years.

Barbara’s hobbies continued to center around art. She enjoyed painting with her sister Lucy, singing in church, and working in her garden. She loved spending time with her nieces, nephews, her children and her grandchildren. Barbara passed on her love of the arts to many, encouraging others to draw, sing, sew and pursue their interests and talents. Barbara had a deep faith and was involved in numerous churches throughout her life. She chose her church based on the teachings and the music, denomination was secondary.

Barbara lost Benny in April of 1982 after a bout with cancer. Barbara remained in the home that Benny had built for them until 2002 when she moved into an assisted living facility. Benny continued to provide for Barbara as it was the sale of the home that supported her until her passing this year.

Barbara spent her time in Village Green and then The Woodmark being very social, attending many of the musical events and outings that were offered. She enjoyed being surrounded by people after living alone for so long and had wonderful friendships with residents and care givers in both facilities.

Barbara passed peacefully and quietly surrounded by loved ones. After a dinner with friends, she went to sleep and walked into the arms of God.

Barbara is survived by many family members who will miss her dearly. Ernest Bennett and his children and grandchildren Matt, Abby, and Anthony, Raymond ‘Nicky’ Bennett and his wife Jan and their children and grandchildren Katie Donny, Mariah, Deena, and Eric Melissa; as well as her two oldest granddaughters from Nicky’s first marriage: Suzanne Martinson Dave, Josh and Bryce and Rene’ Suruda Ed, Sam, and Annie. Barbara is also survived by her younger sister Phyllis Cannon.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Barbara’s memory will be held Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 2:00pm at Bonney-Watson Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Pt. Rd. Federal Way, WA 98023 253 839-7317. There will be a family reception following.