BENNETT, Virginia Leola, of Bridgeport, Michigan. Virginia Leola (Diener) Bennett, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of July 13, 2011. Virginia L. Diener (Ginny, as she was called by many) was born to Henry and Leola (Stone) Diener September 15, 1918 in Hamtramck, Michigan, moving to Saginaw as an infant. On May 2, 1936 she married Ezra W. Bennett in Saginaw, Michigan. Virginia was a compassionate and caring wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Elder in the Community of Christ Church, beautician, housewife and friend who will be missed by many. She was an avid reader who until recently was a frequent visitor to the Bridgeport Public Library. She kept informed of current events and family by reading and using such internet programs as "Skyping" with her sons and grandchildren around the world. Virginia touched many generations of lives. She was a courageous fighter her last days and continued in good spirits. She was surrounded by loving care from her friends and family. Virginia is survived by three sons: Thomas (Kathleen) Bennett, Independence, MO, Earl (Patricia) Bennett, Bridgeport, MI and Guy (Dawn) Bennett, Bridgeport, MI; daughter-in-law, Donna Bennett, Linwood, MI; six grandchildren: Amy (Norby) Knickerbocker, Frankenmuth, MI, Marine Lt. Col. Aaron Bennett, Quantico, VA, Sherrie (Tony) Buckley, Ireland, Debra Bennett, Germany, Dr. Matthew (Kimberly) Bennett, Sanford, MI and Adam Bennett, Bridgeport, MI; five great-grandchildren: Garrett Knickerbocker, Noelle Knickerbocker, Nolan Knickerbocker, Lola Bennett and Chase Bennett, as well as many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leola and Henry Diener; her husband, Ezra; her son, Gary; two sisters, Evelyn Farrand and Lillian Rohde; a granddaughter-in-law, Robyn Gray Bennett and her granddaughters, Joy E. Bennett and Allison D. Bennett. The family wishes to express appreciation to Terry Ormsbee and the Hospice workers, especially Hazel and Mary from Visiting Nurses who made our mother's last days comfortable and peaceful. Honoring Mrs. Bennett's wishes, she will be cremated with final resting at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 18, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at King Road Community of Christ Church, 2233 King Rd. Friends may visit with the family at church Monday from 1:00 p.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests sending memorial contributions to Bridgeport Public Library or King Road Community of Christ Church. www.casefuneralhome.com



Published in Saginaw News on MLive.com from July 16 to July 17, 2011