Marlene Bennett

Marlene A. (Marty) Bennett was born June 3, 1936 to Lawrence and Mary Jane Perry.  She grew up in Dayton, Ohio in the care of her loving mother and grandparents Peter and Margaret Baker.  Marty was a graduate of St. Joseph High School in Dayton.  At the age of 19, a strong and beautiful woman, she married her soul mate Philip A. Bennett.  Marty enjoyed spending her days spoiling her nieces and nephews.  She worked as a telephone operator and bank teller until she landed her dream job in 1966, with the birth of her son Robert.  Another son, Steve, would follow in November of 1968.  In her words to Rob, “when God finally blessed me with you and Steve; all of my dreams came true.”  Family and friendships were everything to her.  In 1979, the family moved to a new home in Grand Haven, Michigan.  Promises were made to keep Dayton family and friends close.  Those commitments were kept with yearly August reunions, Labor Day trips to Grand Haven and “girl” trips all over the country.  The move prompted the spark of new friendships to be equally treasured.  Colleagues of Phil’s became fast family friends, sharing the joys and heartaches of life with one another.  There were always travel plans in the works, bowling tournaments to win, bridge games to be played and lazy weekends to be had at the boat.  In the 90’s grandchildren would join the mix, bringing added joy to Marty’s world.  She loved her new babies with her whole heart.  With careful balance, Marty has nurtured and maintained the relationships in her life for the betterment of everyone who knew her.  She was the anchor that held everyone together.  She was blessed with so many wonderful people and was skilled enough to keep them all in our lives.  The love and appreciation shared by Phil and Marty fused them together as one.  In their 63 years together, they always put each other first and shared the philosophy of investing in the people that they loved in order to enrich life. Marty is survived by her husband Philip Bennett, sons Robert (Bridget) Bennett, Steven (Eloise) Bennett; grandchildren Kathleen Bennett, Molly Bennett, Shannon Bennett, Jacob Bennett, Lauren Bennett and as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6 from 6 – 8 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 7 at 11AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids.  Interment  Saturday, June 8 at Zion Cemetery, Beavercreek, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made in Marty’s name to the Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or Indian Trails Camp, O-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.