Bernice D. Bennett

Bernice D. Bennett
June 20, 1912 - November 14, 2006
Keota, Iowa
Visitation: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. November 16, 2006 at Powell Funeral Home - Keota
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. November 17, 2006 at Powell Funeral Home - Keota
Interment: November 17, 2006 at Keota Cemetery
KEOTA-Bernice D. Bennett, age 94, of Keota, died Tuesday, November 14, 2006, at the Washington County Hospital, following a brief illness. Bernice was born June 20, 1912, in Keokuk County, to Charles and Christina (Saner) Derby. She attended country schools in Keokuk and Washington Counties and graduated from Washington High School in 1931; she then graduated from Washington Junior College in 1936. On September 14, 1942 she married Warren K. Bennett at the National City Christian Church in Washington, DC. Bernice worked as an office supervisor in the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC for 30 years, retiring in 1969. Bernice moved to Keota following her retirement. She was a member of the United Church of Faith and was a former member of the U.M.W. and Fortnightly Club. Survivors include two sisters: Thelma Horsey of Washington and Frances Leeper of Brighton; one brother: Howard Derby of Burlington and 26 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Warren in 1995; three brothers: Charles, Eddie and Norval Derby and three sisters: Mabel Rosenbalm, Mildred Evans, Letha Rudolph, Elma Hackert and Daisy Leeper. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2006, at the Powell Funeral Home in Keota with Pastor Sallie Graves officiating. Burial will be at Keota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2006, at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the Keota Q.R.S. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is handling the arrangements.