Fillmore – Ruth P. Bennett, 90, a former resident of 119
West Main Street died Monday, October 28, 2019 in the Wyoming County Skilled
Nursing Facility, Warsaw. She was born on February 27, 1929 in Houghton, a
daughter of the late Peter and Leola Balcom Powers. She married Melvin “Mel” G.
Bennett who predeceased her. She was
married to Mel in 1968 after supposedly kicking his broom out from under him at
Fillmore Central. They worked very well
together to provide a home for the two girls and then added a son a couple
years later. They liked to bowl together
on Sundays, travel, and in later years enjoyed some snowbird time going between
Fillmore and Holden Beach, NC. As Mel’s
health deteriorated Ruth was there 100% of the way to take care of him. She is very much looking forward to a reunion
with HER Mel.
Ruth not only loved the children in her own family, she
touched the lives of well over 1,000 children spending parts of four decades
teaching kindergarten in Fillmore.
Anyone who had her in kindergarten won’t forget Mrs. Bennett’s singing,
her silly songs, and the thinking box for those that needed a little
“guidance.” Ruth used her musical
talents to provide the music at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church for many
years as well. She loved to travel and
especially going on cruises. She took
her family on multiple cruises and made lasting memories. She flew the flag proudly supporting her
grandson, Steve, as he served our country in the military. She will be missed by many but the memories
made will last forever.
Surviving are her daughters Susan (Wilkie) Evancho Moody of
Hope Mills, NC, Cheryl (David) Evancho Mayer of Pike, her son, Christopher
(Barbara) Bennett of Penfield, seven beloved grandchildren, nine great
grandchildren, a sister, Pauline Powers of Hume, several nieces and nephews,
many great nieces and nephews and even a few great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents she was
predeceased by three sisters, Gertrude Heyer, Helen Powers and Frances Miller. Family
and friends may gather from 5:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019 at
the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. at
St. Patrick’s Church, Fillmore. Fr. Dennis JJ Mancuso will be celebrant. Burial
will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Fillmore. Memorials if desired to: Fillmore
Central School, c/o PTO, Backpack Program, PO Box 144, Fillmore, NY 14735 or
Acord Food Pantry.
