Charlene Bennett

Charlene Bennett, 82, of Monett, passed away on Tuesday, June 16 at Cox South Hospital. 

She was born Aug. 8, 1943 in Powell, to Charles and Jewell (Dalton) Poe. She was one of ten children. She grew up in the Powell and attended a one room school, Enterprise Grade School, with three of her siblings. She graduated from Rocky Comfort High School in 1961.  

On April 30, 1965 she was united in marriage to Clint Bennett in Wheaton. They celebrated 43 years of marriage.  To this union they welcomed four children: Cindy (Kevin) Baker of Hurley; Gene (Laurie) Bennett of Rocky Comfort; Cristy Bennett (Norm) of Nixa and Carla Bennett of Monett. She was known as MaMa to her 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Mary Banks, brother, Jack (Linda) Poe, sister-in-law Jeanne Bennett, brothers-in-law Jim Bennett and Eddie Bowman.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, siblings Marie Wellesley, Laurana Shrum, Ruth Horton, Delores Forrester, Bill Poe, Leroy Poe, Bob Poe and many brothers/sisters-in-law.

She enjoyed waitressing at both The Black Kettle Restaurant and Ma and Pa’s Restaurant in Monett because she loved talking to and serving people. She was a member of the Sugar Babies Red Hat Club.

A memorial service for her will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 26, at the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. Pastor Kevin Baker and Pastor Cody Stringer will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Arnhart Cemetery, East Purdy. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cox Health at Home Hospice. Arrangements are under the personal care of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.