Friday, April 26, 2024
Shirley Alice Monroe Bennett was born April 22, 1925 in Wenatchee, Wash. to Maude and Vernon B. Monroe. She passed away at her home in Brewster on June 14, 2017 at the age of 92 after spending her entire life in Brewster.
She was married to Dick Bennett on October 9, 1944 and they made their home on the Bridgeport Bar where their four children were born. The family later moved to Brewster where Dick and Shirley were to spend the remainder of their days. Her husband preceded her in death in August of 2014.
As a child she learned to play the Ukulele and would dress up in a cowboy outfit and sing western songs to anyone who would listen. Her beautiful voice lead her to sing at many weddings and funerals over the years. She recorded her first and only record at age 16. Her love of music encouraged her to become an excellent banjo player as she sang and yodeled her favorite country tunes. You always knew where she was because you could hear her singing or humming.
During the 1980’s Shirley developed an interest in geneology and wrote two books about her family history.
Shirley’s strength of character is a testament to her longevity. She loved to tell jokes and impersonate some of the elders of the family, and did so without a flaw. She loved life and life loved her.
She is survived by her four children: Steve, Darla and Beckie Bennett and Shan (Vern) Chute, all currently of Brewster. Other survivors include seven grandchildren, Tom Dundas, Chad Marcellay, Laura Marcellay, Eric Freels, Joel Bennett, Tyler Marcellay and Will Bennett; thirteen great grandchildren, Julian Reyes, Cyrus Smith, Cid Marcellay, Ethan Freels, Talia Freels, Larkin Freels, Hudson and Hadley Freels, Clare Bennett, Cate Bennett and Liam Bennett, Makenna Dundas, Cassius Marcellay and one great-great granddaughter, Julysia Reyes.
Graveside services will be held at noon on Tuesday, the 20 of June, 2017 at the Bridgeport Cemetery
Services under the direction of Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel, Okanogan, Wash.
