Obituary - Irma C. Bennett

Irma C. Bennett, 99, Medford, Ore.

Irma C. Bennett went to meet her Lord Sunday, June 29, 2008, at her retirement home in Medford, Ore. She was a longtime Lewiston resident.

She was born at the family farm outside of Genesee to George and Edith Lanphier Carbuhn. When she was 8 years old her father bought a house in Lewiston, where the family spent the winters and was her home until she was 94 years old.

After graduating from Lewiston High School in 1927, the last year in the 'old' high school, she attended Northwest Christian College at Eugene, Ore., graduating in 1932.

In 1935, she married Rowe Bennett. They had three children. He worked for PFI and part time for Idaho Beverages (Pepsi). Rowe died in 1952.

Irma worked for JC Penny until retirement in 1969. She then worked at the Vogue Shop for several years until joining the crew at Hirzel's Music store. The music store was a complete change of clientele, young to old. She loved it. Mrs. Bennett worked there until she was 80.

Even though she worked, there was always time for her children and grandchildren. She would pop in her car and off she went. Twice she drove, by herself, to Texas to visit friends. When her children expressed concern, she would reply, "l won't be any younger next year." She attended every sporting event her grandchildren were playing, home and away. She advocated for the low-income and the elderly.

Her hobbies included sewing and flowers.

Spiritual life was of primary importance. Daily Bible reading and prayer was standard. She valued her membership in the First Christian Church, now River City Church, and the ladies prayer group.

In 2004, she moved to Medford to be near her daughter and son-in-law. She attended the First Nazarene Church and the Primetimers. The members of those groups became good friends.

She leaves some simple words that are good for all occasions: pray, give, help, care, feel and love.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses; six grandchildren. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren.

Her parents, husband, and two brothers, Harold and Estil Carbuhn, preceded her in death.

A memorial service is planned for 4 p.m. July 19 at River City Church to celebrate her life.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or the Gideons

Lewiston Tribune, July 8, 2008, p. 4C
Transcribed by Kerry Kasza

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