EARLVILLE – Reatha H. Bennett, 97, of Earlville, died peacefully in her sleep June 17, 2016 at the Crouse Community Center in Morrisville after a brief illness.
She was born February 9, 1919 in Eaton, NY, a daughter of Frank and Maude Washburn Albright of Norwich NY. Reatha grew up in the Central New York area, often telling family members that she moved 20 times in 21 years, as her father followed railroad work. She graduated from Norwich High School in 1937. She married Richard G. Bennett in 1940. She had four children to whom she was both a loving mother and best friend.
Reatha worked for the local telephone company in Norwich for almost 5 years, and then she worked as the secretary and bookkeeper for Bennett Construction in Earlville. She worked for Harold Shapley in his flower and seed business on Fayette Street in Earlville. She also worked in the kitchen at the Earlville Central School while her children were growing up. After the school job, she went to work at Tefft’s Variety on the corner of South and East Main Street in Earlville. When Richard began Bennett and Son Lumber in 1963, she joined him as the bookkeeper until the business came to a close in 2004.
Reatha was a member of the Twentieth Century Club, the Madinango Rebekah Lodge #563, the Firemen’s Auxiliary in Earlville, the Chenango County Archeology Chapter in Norwich, and the Earlville American Legion Post #236 Auxiliary. She was a bowler for many years. Not long after her marriage, Reatha joined the First United Methodist Church in Earlville and continued to attend up until the last four months of her life. She loved the music in church, especially those “old Baptist songs” that she grew up with. Reatha was also a Gold Star Mother; her son, Richard, died in Vietnam.
Reatha liked to play cards, but her passion was reading. She was never without a book in her hands during the day or evening, and when she could no longer see well enough to read, she would listen to books on tape.
She is survived by her son, Monte Bennett of Earlville; two daughters and a son-in-law, Marcia Bennett of Earlville, Eileen and John Bostick of Sherburne; grandchildren Kristin Bostick of Earlville, Dawn Shah of Cincinnati, OH; Scott and his wife, Karyn Bostick of Denver, CO; great-grandchildren, Allison, Naomi, Ethan, Matthew and Emily Shah of Cincinnati; Ashley and her husband Bryan Amrein of Ft. Hood, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard; her son Richard J. Bennett; sisters, Ellen Brookins and Edith O’Neil; brother, Frank Albright; brothers-in-law, Jack O’Neil, Louie Brookins, Walter Bennett, Henry Max Bennett and Robert Bennett; sisters-in-law, Jean Cook and Bernice Albright.
Her family wishes to thank those who cared for Reatha during her last journey: the staff of the Crouse Community Center for the thoughtful care she received, and also her Hospice team from New Hartford, whose stellar aid was there when we needed them most.
Funeral services will be held at 10AM Thursday, June 23, 2016 from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville, followed by interment in the Poolville Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6-8pm.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, PO Box 96648, Washington, DC 20090-6648.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.