Delene Ida Bennett's Obituary
Delene Ida Bennett passed away on Friday, March 2nd 2018 with her family by her side—She was 78.
Delene was born in Tacoma, Washington September 29, 1939 to Martin and Ida Wolf. She grew up in Tacoma, WA with her younger brother Tom, and graduated from Stadium High School. She then went to Pacific Lutheran College (Now PLU) for one year after graduating from high school.
She met the love of her life, David T Bennett when she was 14, and Dave was 15 at Temple Baptist Church in Tacoma. They dated for a few years, and married January 31, 1958 when she was 17 and Dave 18, just prior to their USAF relocation to Texas. After finishing that tour of duty, they returned to Tacoma to settle down and start their family.
They had 3 children—Debbie, Dan and Rick, and lived in North Tacoma until 1969, when they moved to Gig Harbor.
While Dave owned and operated local businesses, Delene raised their children and managed the household. Over the years, she worked along side of Dave in a number of their ventures too. But her focus was always on making sure the kids had a stable home environment. As a mother, she was constant source of encouragement through the ups and downs of growing up. While dedicated to family, she also served as a Sunday School teacher at Temple Baptist Church, and was very involved in the Christian Women’s Club ministry in Pierce County.
Delene enjoyed walking, hiking and coffee with her many friends. She also participated in various exercise classes at the YMCA and Multi Care.
As a life long friend said recently, “Your mom is the closest thing to a real life June Cleaver”. That sums up what it was like growing up with Delene!
Delene always had a positive attitude, and a servants heart. She was quick with a kind word, and a thank you, even at the most difficult of times.
She was a survivor of bladder cancer, along with her thymoma removal in 2014. Knocked down, but not out, she relied on her faith in Jesus, a positive attitude and the love of her family to fight through these things and back to health.
When Dave had a number of health issues, Delene stepped in to be his full time care giver. Everywhere she went, people couldn’t believe she was in her 70’s.
Always youthful and full of energy, she embraced Dave’s care like she embraced life—giving her all every day.
Even when in the hospital ICU, she made a point of thanking her care givers, and making an impact with her gratitude.
Delene is survived by her only brother Tom Wolf, her beloved husband of 60 years, Dave; her children Debbie Kowalkowski, Dan Bennett and his wife Debi, Rick Bennett and his wife Mindy; Four grandchildren; Erin Looney and husband Aaron, Caleb Kope and fiancé Jen, Rick Jr. and wife Cassie and Brooke Casanova and husband Nick; three great granddaughters Raina, Emerald and Isla Looney; and her daughter-in-law Julie. In addition, there are too many friends to mention here—she loved you all, and was grateful for your friendship.
Her family is comforted knowing that she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, free from pain and suffering.
Her Celebration of Life will be at Life Center’s central campus located at 1717 S Union, on Monday March 12 at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Life Center’s Hope 253.
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