Clara Katherine “Kathy’’ Bennett, 92, of Ozark, died Dec. 18, 2023, in Ozark.
She was born Jan. 16, 1931, in Mellette, S.D. to Ralph Ashley and Lucy Katherine Fiedler Howe.
On Oct. 4, 1952, she was united in marriage to Maclyn C. Bennett.
Those preceding her in death include her parents; her husband Maclyn in 1994; oldest daughter, Mileen Stephens in 2022; sisters, Lorna Weimer, Lucy Gordon and Christine Howe; one brother, Ralph Howe, Jr.
As a teenager Kathy began working with the American Union Missionary establishing Sunday schools in unchurched areas of South Dakota. This mission work continued as she completed her education and began her career teaching elementary education in various one-room schools in remote areas of South Dakota. After marriage, Kathy worked alongside Maclyn in their family ranching enterprise while also working on her own career. She worked many years as a legal secretary, first for Claude T. Wood and later for the honorable David Gregory Warren and Bruce Warren. After retiring from the legal profession, at the age of 70, Kathy embarked on a new career in healthcare. She enrolled in training and earned a CMT and worked in nursing homes until she was 80. Given her own age, her patients got a laugh when she would joke that she was called to take care of ‘old people’. She always had a heart for helping people and showed that in a variety of ways including helping with church dinners. Kathy was a marvelous mother and homemaker known for her homemade pies and bread. She enjoyed entertaining, gardening, canning, sewing, home décor, her Sunday school, Templeton group and cherished time spent with her family.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Richland.
She is survived by her son, Brian Bennett; daughter, Molly Nichol; son-in-law, Nathan Stephens; sister, Delia Sampson and her husband Dean, and two sisters-in-law, Jackie Joens and Joan Bennett; her five grandchildren, Matt Stephens and his wife Nichole, Luke Stephens and wife Amanda, Paul Stephens and his wife Stephanie, Emily Adams and her husband Elliot, Katie Bettis and her husband Chris; 13 great-grandchildren; many other family members and friends.
A memorial service for Kathy Bennett will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Richland with Pastor Bob Lilly and Pastor Matt Brady officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., also on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Richland. Memorials have been suggested to First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
