Belle Bennett

Christian Biography of Belle Bennett

Lillard Belle Bennett, the daughter of Noble Coleman Smithson and Nina Pearl Gishwiller,
was born on March 9, 1913 at Wray, Colorado. She passed away on May 26, 2007 at the Franklin
County Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Nebraska at the age of 94 years.
Belle attended first grade at the Wray Elementary School in Wray CO. The Smithson family
moved to Riverton, NE in 1921. Belle then continued her education at the Riverton Public School,
graduating from Riverton, NE in 1931. She then attended Kearney College. On February 11, 1935
Belle married the love of her life, Ronald Erwin Bennett at Ogallala, NE. This union was blessed
with the birth of three sons: Gary, James "Pete" and Richard "Rick". Through her adulthood Belle
owned and operated Slim's cafe in Franklin, NE She enjoyed cooking as well as crocheting and
knitting when she was able. But the real passion of her life was her family. She truly treasured each
moment she could spend with her children and grandchildren. Belle was a member of the Franklin
Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald "Slim", her parents, and two sisters,
Florence Smithson, and Helen Paulsen.
She is survive by her son's: Gary and wife Connie Bennett of Beatrice, Nebraska, Pete and
wife Carol Bennett of Columbus, Nebraska and Rick and wife Naomi Bennett of Fairbury, Nebraska
9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and
friends.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. from the
Greenwood Cemetery in Franklin, Nebraska with Rev. Neil Kloppenborg officiating.
Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery at Franklin, Nebraska
Memorials may go to the EMT's or Franklin Co. Memorial Hospital.
Hutchins Funeral Home of Franklin, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.