Virginia Arlene Bennett was born February 1, 1921 in Shannon County, near Martin, South Dakota, the daughter of Lou Allen and Effie May (Hiatt) Alexander. She is the last surviving member of eight children. The Alexander family moved to Bedford, Iowa during the early 1930’s. Virginia returned to South Dakota in 1949.

Virginia was united in marriage to Orville Bennett on November 6, 1958 at Geddes, South Dakota and to this union was born two sons, Merlin Orville and Glen Arthur Bennett.

Virginia was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Philip. She has always enjoyed her family and took great pride in her home, yard and garden.

Grateful for having shared her life are two sons, Merlin Bennett and his wife, Susan of Pierre, South Dakota; Glen Bennett and his wife, Rose of Philip, South Dakota; three daughters, Shirley Moore and her husband, Virgil of Redwing, Minnesota; Nancy Halabi and her husband, Ed of Diamond Bar, California; Toni Rhodes of Albuquerque, New Mexico; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Orville, she was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; and two sisters. 

Visitation was held at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip on Tuesday October. 30,  from 2-6 PM and one hour before the services at the church on Wednesday. 

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor David Otten officiating.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial is established. 

FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, October 31, 2001 - 10:00 a.m.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota
MINISTER
Pastor David Otten
MUSIC
Marlis Doud – Organist
Elvera Moos – Soloist
USHERS
Dwayne Newman-Karl Shultz-Robert Long
PALLBEARERS
Brigham Bennett - Cassie Bennett
Quinten Struble - Erin Struble
Bill Moore - Brenda Kirchner
Jerri Moore - Tia Halabi
Dylan Bennett - Megan Bennett
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance 
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
TOMMORROW
When tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
That Jesus came and called my
name and took me by the hand.
And when I walked
through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down
and smile at me,
from His golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity
and all I’ve promised you.
Today your life on earth is past
and here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrows,
but today will always last,
And since each day’s the same,
there’s no longing for the past.
You have been faithful,
so trusting and true,
Though there were times
you did some things
you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven,
and now at last you’re free
So won’t you take my hand
and share My life with me?"
So when tomorrow
starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart.