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Nancy Bennett Obituary
EAST ALTON — Nancy L. Bennett went peacefully to be with the Lord at 9:45 pm on October 9, 2020 at home in the loving arms of her husband, friend, and faithful caregiver through her two and a half year battle with ALS.
She was born on November 4, 1946 the daughter of Vernon and Agnes (Pavlik) Oehler.
She was raised in Bethalto and graduated from Civic Memorial High School in 1964. She obtained her B.S. in Education from Eastern Illinois University. She then obtained her Master's Degree in Education from SIUE. She was an English teacher and District Media Specialist with the Bunker Hill School District for 28 years and retired in 2005 with 35 years of dedicated service in education.
Nancy married Charles E. "Chuck" Bennett on July 12, 1996. He survives.
Nancy was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, she was a member of the Illinois Teachers Association, National Teachers of English Association, and Madison County Retired Teachers. She loved flower gardening, reading, fishing, Cardinal Baseball, and her West Highland Terriers.
She is survived by her husband, Chuck of East Alton; a sister, Carol (Terry) Deist of Alton; a brother, Jim (Donna) Oehler of Dorsey; a son, Jason (Patricia) Hanks of South Roxana; grandchildren, Brianna (Matt) Brady and Brandon and Brent Hanks; great grandchildren, Phoenix and Rhys Brady; a nephew, Darren Deist of St. Louis; nieces, Lindsey Deist of Pocahontas, Alicia (Andy) Dreith, Stacie (Jesse) Taylor, Brittany and Tara Oehler; and her best friend from college, Rae Fran Gusewelle.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents.
Per her wishes cremation rites will be accorded. In celebration of her life, a memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto with Pastor Kale officiating. Masks will be required and please maintain social distancing.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School or to the Bunker Hill School Library.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Bennett
6 Entries
Sharon Oehler
October 6, 2023
Nancy was as sweet as anyone I've ever known. Thoughtful, kind, caring.
Sharon Oehler (on behalf of the Dale Oehler family)
Sharon Oehler
October 15, 2020
Nancy was Dale's oldest cousin and he was so fond of her. As I came to know her, I too became very fond of her. Her dedication to family was refreshing and her kindness was wonderful to be around. Michael, David, Sharon (and Dale)
Mark McHugh
October 13, 2020
She was my English teacher in 8th grade at Meissner and helped me appreciate grammar, which helped me with my foreign language studies. A fine educator!
Joyce Holcomb
October 13, 2020
I knew Nancy in high school. She was always so kind and nice to everyone. She was a great help to Charlie working on the Class of 65's reunions. I know she will be missed by many. God Bless
Kay James and family
October 12, 2020
What a wonderful and caring teacher from our district. You always had a smile and a happy “ Hello and how are you?” Rest In Peace
Dana Merritt
October 11, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Many wonderful memories through my school years in Bunker Hill.
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