Jean (Gaddy) Bennett Obituary (1922 - 2015)

Jean (Gaddy) Bennett, 92, of Medical Springs, died April 16, 2015 while being cared for by her family in Nampa, Idaho. A visitation will be held Monday, April 20th from 2:00 until 4:00PM at Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel. Her funeral service will be held the following day, Tuesday, April 21st at 1:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Lennie Spooner Officiating. A private family interment will follow at the Pioneer Cemetery at the Park near Medical Springs. Jean was born June 24, 1922 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was the oldest of four siblings, Marie Weeks, Dorothy Soulsby, Dale Johnson and Lester Gaddy, all who have passed on. Jean and Robert Bennett were married on December 21, 1942 and would have been married 73 years next December. Soon after their marriage, Robert joined the Marine Corps and served as a radio operator with the 1st Marine Air Wing in the South Pacific during World War II. Jean and Robert made their home in Eugene, OR. until 1983 when they acquired the Pondosa store near Medical Springs. They have five children, Barbara Ekstrand of Medford, OR. Patricia Taylor of Elgin, OR. Larry Bennett of Eagle Point, OR. Lori Brock of Nampa, ID and Robert Todd Bennett of Boise, ID. Together they have 20 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Jean was a great inspiration to all who entered the store at Pondosa, both emotionally and spiritually. She helped Robert stop smoking in the 1970's and claimed that was the reason he was able and healthy all the years they were together. Since then, she wouldn't let up on anyone until they also quit. She loved to visit with strangers or neighbors who came in the store and would invite anyone interested to join the local bible study group. Jean and Robert are members of the First Church of the Nazarene in Baker City since the 1980's. Jean was loved and admired by anyone who met her and was always thinking of others more than herself. She is well loved and will be missed by all who knew her. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pioneer Cemetery at the Park through Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR. 97814