On July 30, 2014 Millie Bennett completed her long interesting journey which lasted ninety-eight years.
She was born Mildred Jane Hines on June 27, 1916 in Leigh, Nebraska. She was the third daughter born to Albert and Mary (Greer) Hines and spent her childhood on a farm in Huron, South Dakota. Growing up as a "farm girl" taught her to be self-sufficient, resourceful, creative and hard working. These were evident throughout her life. In 1938 she married Harold Hensen. Later divorced, she moved with her young son, Denis, to Ann Arbor, MI. There she found work at Argus Camera Company making telescopes for the war effort.

Millie married Brice Bennett in 1945. They moved to Hart, MI in 1956 and became the owners and operators of the Sunset Motel. For thirteen years they effectively and efficiently ran the business. During the winters, when tourism was slow, Millie operated a restaurant called Millie's Dinette. She also had various jobs in the area. She worked in sales at Powers Clothing Store; a baker at Gibb's Goodies in Ludington; and her favorite, retail sales at Gustafson's Gift Shop in Pentwater. Millie loved to entertain so her home was often the center of lively activities. She was a marvelous cook and her coconut Cream and Chocolate pies became legendary in Oceana County. Her creative energy was boundless. Everyone she loved was the recipient of hand sewn or crocheted items. Where there was music playing, she could be found dancing. After retirement, Millie and Brice divided their time between Pentwater and Zephyrhills, FL. When Brice died in 1989, Mildred continued to live in both areas for a total of twenty-two years. Mille was a past member of the Pentwater Women's Club; Pentwater Garden Club; Ludington Elks Club and Emblem Club. She was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church, where she served as a secretary for three years.

Millie is survived by her son Denis (Mary) Bennett; grandsons Dennis (Emily) Bennett; Randy (Kari) Bennett; granddaughters Melissa (Luke) Wilson; Laura (Eric) Neusiis; great-grandchildren Taylor, Tori, Parker, Ava, Abby, Alex Bennett and William Neusiis; great-great-grandson Jacob Bennett; nephews Douglas (Ronna) Urban; Darold (Janice) Urban; Jim (Cynthia) Darling; and her beloved companion for many years Charles "Chuck" Williams and his daughter Maureen DeLuca. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Brice, sisters Cleda (Lester) Darling, Faye (George) Urban, niece Jane Cummings and nephew Larry Darling.

The funeral service for Mildred will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church at 12:00 pm on Saturday August 9, 2014 with Pastor Melanie Young officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 am until the time of service.
Interment will take place at Pentwater Twp. Cemetery in Pentwater, MI. Memorials may be directed to Centenary United Methodist Church, 82 South Hancock Street, Pentwater, MI 49449 or the Pentwater Historical Society, 85 South Rutledge/P.O. Box 54, Pentwater, MI 49449.

To send flowers or sympathy card please use the expressions of sympathy link to the left.