Lois Maurene Bennett

Lois Maurene Bennett, age 91, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, 19 July 2021 while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee at her earthly residence. She was born on November 27, 1929, in Morenci, to Kenneth and Hazel (Thielan) Kishpaugh. I am home in Heaven dear ones; Oh, so happy and bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever. Safely home in Heaven at last. Lois graduated from Sand Creek High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Siena Heights University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Michigan University. She taught in a variety of settings including rural one-room schoolhouses for six years, at a Nursery School (pre-school) for 5 years, as a substitute teacher at countywide elementary schools, and eventually served as a teacher and administrator of special needs children at the Porter Center for the Lenawee Intermediate School District for over 20 years. On 22 October 1948, Lois married Clark W. Bennett, and they celebrated 68 years together before his passing in September 2016. Together they raised their children Randy and Rita and provided a nurturing environment for their grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating countless precious memories that continue to span generations. Lois was a faithful and untiring member of Berean Baptist Church where she gave to the Lord her musical talents. In the fall of 1973, God put in the heart of Lois a burden for special needs people in Lenawee Country. Under the direction of Assistant Pastor Lynn Wakefield, she and other members of Berean Baptist Church started what is now known as the Shepherds ministry. The class saw consistent growth through the ‘70s and ‘80s and eventually had to meet on Sunday mornings in the church’s fellowship hall. Attendance grew from the first two members to now over sixty people per week. A proud “snowbird”, Lois and Clark wintered in Bradenton, Florida for over 31 years. She enjoyed being active with church and community activities. Lois played shuffleboard for many years and later became a tournament director for many local and State tournaments throughout Florida. Lois and Clark opened their home in the early 1970s to Buca (Jadranka), a foreign exchange student from Yugoslavia (now Croatia). The love and continued nurturing and encouragement between Buca and the Bennett family continues to this day. In addition, Lois was considered to be “Mom” to a very faithful friend Dena Willitts. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were consistently showered with reminders of the thoughtfulness and care and love that Lois had towards each and every one of them. Cookies, knick-knacks, crocheted dolls, afghans, and animals were all lovingly created and bestowed not only to the children, but to nieces and nephews as well. Lois is survived by her children Randy (Song) Bennett of Ann Arbor and Rita (William) Estep of Millington, Michigan; grandchildren Michael Cook, J, Joella (John) Zwack, Nathanael, Phoebe, Chloe, Ira, and Joy Bennett; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Additionally, Lois is survived by her sister Barbara Howdyshell and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois is preceded in death by her grandson, Kelvin Cook and six brothers and sisters. In keeping with her concern for the health and safety of her surviving senior friends, visitation and the funeral service will be private. The service may be viewed on Friday, July 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at bereanofadrian.org, click on media. Memorial contributions may be made to Berean Baptist Church for the Shepherd’s Class. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com .

Lois Maurene Bennett

November 27, 1929 - July 19, 2021