Rosalie (Hicks) Bennett of Marietta, OK was born October 9, 1924 at Burneyville, OK, the daughter of Henry Thomas Hicks, Sr. and Minnie Whittington Hicks. She passed away Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Lake Country Nursing Center, Marietta, at the age of 89.

Mrs. Bennett attended school at Jimtown and Leon and shortly after graduating from high school went to work at Camp Howze near Gainesville, TX where German prisoners were held. Known as "Rosie the Riveter" she then worked at the North American Airplane factory in Grand Prairie, TX. In November 1944 Rosalie enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves and was honorably discharged on May 5, 1946 as a Seaman First Class. She and Vestal B. Bennett were married on December 6, 1946 in Durant, OK, and he preceded her in death on April 13, 1994. Mrs. Bennett attended college at Southeastern, graduating in 1950 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Her teaching career began at Orr, and in 1956 she moved to Marietta and taught in that school system until her retirement in 1985. During her tenure she received many awards and honors including being named "Teacher of the Year" in 1976. In addition she was a member of the American Legion, the Daughters of American Revolution and the Eastside Baptist Church. One year she was also honored as Love County Frontier Days Queen. Rosalie enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and reading, especially her Bible.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; granddaughter, Jayme Young in 1982; sister, Loyce Hicks Rowe; and four brothers, George Wesley Hicks, Henry Thomas Hicks, Jr., Claudus Delbert Hicks and Richard Charles Hicks.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Max and Glenda Bennett of Marietta and David Larry and Laura Bennett of Fruita, CO; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie Bennett Young and Robby Young of Ardmore, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Gayle Hicks of Jimtown; four grandchildren, Heather and Chris McMahon, Holly and Jason Frankum, Jeremy and Carrie Young and Jared Young; and eight great-grandchildren, Cameron McMahon, Carson Bennett McMahon, Courtlyn McMahon, Ashlyn Frankum, Jett Frankum, Luke Young, Adam Young and Hope Young.

Casket bearers will be Lavon Hicks, Darrell Rowe, Steve Hicks, Richard Charles Hicks, Jr., Mike Mays and Ronald Bennett. Honorary bearers will be the staff of Lake Country Nursing Center.

Service

Wednesday March 26, 2014, 2:00 PM at Eastside Baptist Church

Officiating: Rev. Lawrence Anderson, Pastor Brett Alberda and Larry Hicks

Family Hour

Tuesday March 25, 2014, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home

Interment

Wednesday March 26, 2014 at Lakeview Cemetery