Bertha Elizabeth Bennett's Obituary
Bertha Elizabeth Bennett, July 4, 1923 – April 17, 2015
Bertha Elizabeth Bennett passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, April 17, 2015 at her home in Rio Linda. She was 91 and had a long and remarkable life and was an extraordinary, dedicated Christian woman, a lifetime member of the First Southern Baptist Church in her home town.
She was born on the 4th of July, 1923 in Marengo, Ohio; was the 2nd daughter of William & Elsie Schoonover; and at the age of 10, was stricken with Rheumatic Fever which caused damage to one of her heart valves. She married young and raised eight children, before her heart condition caused her to have a first and later second open heart surgery and eventually ended her life this past Friday.
Bertha was active in church activities throughout her lifetime. One of her favorite activities was collecting items for the shoe box gifts for Christmas in July. Then, in her advanced years, she was a volunteer at the Union Gospel Mission, a homeless shelter in Sacramento where she and 2 others quickly earned the title of “the Golden Girls”. Also, since she was very proud of her home, she tended carefully the many flower beds of the “big back yard”, a place where her children had grown up and her grandchildren played.
“Bert & Ken” were married in Englewood, CO on May 29, 1938 and built an abundant family. They raised their children who bore 12 grandchildren who bore 20 great-grandchildren. They remained close to their own brothers and sisters who gave them many nieces and nephews, several who were as close to them as their very own. Bertha especially, enjoyed being “Auntie Bert”.
She knew the true meaning of the words, “to have friends, you need to be a friend”. Although, because of the long life with which she was blessed, many of her friends have already gone to be with the Lord. And yet for certain, she will sadly be missed by many others.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her older sister Clara Bennett; brothers Cecil and James Schoonover; her husband of 38 years, James Kenneth Bennett; and three of her daughters, Charlotte Davidson, Nancy Music and Marlin Moreno.
She is survived by 1) four daughters and her only son – Donna Warner of Walnut Grove, CA, Linda Bennett-Cappotto of Gualala, CA, Margaret Stark of Lafayette, CA , James K. Bennett Jr., of Citrus Heights, CA and Junia Thomas of Elverta, CA; 2) four son-in-laws and 1 daughter-in-law – Ralph Moreno who resides in Asheboro, NC, Chuck Cappotto, Jeffrey Stark, Paul Thomas of northern CA and Karen Bennett who resides in Citrus Heights; 3) grandchildren – Stephen Davidson, Michael Music, Eric Moreno, Angela Baca, Tanya Norton, Andrea Molinari, Jason Warner, Catherine Stark, Kirsten Thomas, Trista McCoard, Adam Thomas and Ethan Thomas with 3 granddaughters-in-law and 5 grandsons-in-law, Tammy Davidson, Christina Moreno, Carla Thomas, Billy Baca, Rock Norton, Ryan Thomas, Jesse McCoard, and Chris Molinari; 4) great-grandchildren – Cory, Bryanna and Brody Nesemann, Jesse, Jax & River Moreno, Analiese, Anthony Jr. and Aden Blevins, Timothy, Brandon, Cheyenne and Rachael Norton, Elijah and Delilah Thomas, Taylor, Cameron, Cayden, and Caleb McCoard, and Oliver Thomas; and, 5) her little dog Foxy, a special companion who shared many enjoyable hours with her, both in and out of her home.
SERVICES: Friday, April 24th, 9:30 am at Sunset Lawn, Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95838. Individual viewing on Thursday, April 23rd, 4-8 pm. Ceremony officiant, Pastor Steve Cleghorn, open forum for sharing stories, grave-site committal at 10:30 am. A Reception to celebrate her life will follow at the First Southern Baptist Church of Rio Linda on the corner of Elkhorn and Rio Linda Blvds. For more information call 916-922-5833.
FLOWERS OR DONATIONS: Flowers may be sent to Sunset Lawn, Chapel of the Chimes, see address above. Donations in her name may be sent to either the American Heart Association or StandUp to Cancer.
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