Norma Jean Bennett, 84, of Irwin, died late Sunday evening, Sept. 17, 2017, at the Kobacker House in Columbus.
She was a 1950 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School, where she met her husband, Jim Bennett, in the 7th grade. She worked as a telephone operator before they both owned and operated Bennett’s Grocery in Irwin for more than 50 years. They also operated Bennett’s Billiard Parlor in Irwin for 20 years. She also worked as a waitress and cook for her mother-in-law at Bennett’s Truck Stop for several years, and briefly worked at Siemens Allis in Marysville. She then became a corrections officer at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, where she earned the title of “Corrections Officer of the Year” in 1988.
She was a member of the Mid-Ohio Classic Scooter Club and the Brit Club, where she and her husband made many lifelong friends. She belonged to the Madison County Senior Citizens Center for many years, where she kept score for the pool league and enjoyed playing cards. She enjoyed reading, solving word puzzles and attending local flea markets. She was an amazing cook who could prepare a delicious meal for a crowd in a matter of minutes. She also spent many evenings at home with her family and friends playing “knock.”
She was born on Dec. 5, 1932, in Mechanicsburg, to the late Edgar and Irene Ingman Meeks. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Annabel and Sheridan Bennett; infant brother, Eddie; brother, Melvin Meeks; brother-in-law, John Bennett; and niece, Tammy Brooks Picklesimer.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jim Bennett, whom she married in 1950, in Richmond, Indiana; daughter, Teresa (Duane) Hodges of Marysville; grandsons, Nick (Ashley) Hodges of Marysville, Matt (Sharon) Hodges of Ashville and Jim (Jamie) Hodges of Midlothian, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Lauren, Ethan, Jackson, Abigail, Rivers, Harrison and Beck; sister, Donna Coder of Lakeview; brother, Glen (Nancy) Meeks of Mechanicsburg; sister-in-law, Joyce (Kenny) Martindale of Irwin; and numerous nieces, nephews and many special friends.
There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Ingram Funeral Home. The family will then go to the home of her daughter for a time of food and fellowship and would like to invite all who can to join them to continue remembering her.
Condolences may be expressed at www.ingramfuneralservice.com.