Bennett, Kate

Kate Bennett, 94, of Portales died Friday, March 10, 2006, at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales.

She was born June 7, 1911, in Franklin County, Texas, to Dollie and Robert E. Thurman, and had 11 brothers and sisters. She lived her entire life in west Texas and eastern New Mexico.

On Aug. 31, 1932, in Mount Vernon, Texas, she married Jodie Gurley. After a few years, they moved to New Mexico and came to Portales about 1941.

She married Jim Bennett on Sept. 18, 1958.

She worked at Portales Steam Laundry for many years. She collected dolls and enjoyed flower gardening, family members said, and she loved country music and always enjoyed senior citizen dances. For the past 10 years, she had been at the Heartland Continuing Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her 11 brothers and sisters; two daughters, Gracie Nix and Veda Joyce Bennett; a grandson, and two great-grandsons.

She is survived by four daughters and two sons-in-law, Dollie Craig and Rhonda Kay Bennett, both of Portales, Wanda (and husband Franklin) Levacy of Portales, and Dorthea (Terry) Nichols of Justin, Texas; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Scott P. Reeves will officiate the graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Dwayne, Steve and Frank Levacy, Jerry Nix, Clifford Lloyd and Kyle Trout.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.