GOSHEN -- H. Ernest Bennett, 94, of 1225 Greencroft Drive, died at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday (Nov. 17, 2009) in Greencroft Healthcare.
He was born Jan. 22, 1915, at Cumberland, Md., to Frank and Theoda (Collins) Bennett. His wife, Earla (Hostetter), whom he married July 12, 1941, in Akron, Pa., died Nov. 10, 2008.
He is survived by one son, Dr. Ernest Dale (Millie) Bennett of Castle Rock, Colo.; two daughters, Kathy (Rick) Stiffney and Joan (Todd) Yoder of Goshen; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Hazel Metzler.
He was preceded by his beloved 5-year old grandson, Seth Whicker, and by one brother and two sisters.
Mr. Bennett received a Th.B. degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va. He attended Eastern Baptist Seminary, received an A.B. degree from Goshen College, attended Northwestern University and served a residency in hospital administration at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
During the Spanish Civil War in 1939, Mr. Bennett did relief work in Spain with the Mennonite Relief Committee, and in the early days of World War II he served "In the Name of Christ" under Mennonite Central Committee in France. From 1941-46 he was assistant treasurer of Mennonite Central Committee at its headquarters in Akron, Pa.
From 1946 to 1980, he served at the Mennonite Board of Missions headquarters in Elkhart, first in hospital development, then as treasurer and secretary for health and welfare, and from 1959 until his retirement as executive secretary.
During the years from 1952-90, Mr. Bennett served on the Mennonite Central Committee Executive Committee for 16 years and served as executive secretary of Mennonite Health Assembly. From 1981-1990, he was executive secretary of the Mennonite Health Association. He also served for extended periods on the boards of Bethany Christian Schools and Greencroft Inc.
In addition to his work, Mr. Bennett was always accepting and caring in his relationship with others. He was a devoted family man, truly enjoying his time with his family. He loved caring for his yard and garden, and designed three homes with his wife, Earla. Classical music and travel were two of his many passions.
He was a devoted member of the Prairie Street Mennonite Church from 1946 until his death. During those years he served in a variety of roles: congregational chair, elder, stewardship chair, on the Mission & Service Commission, and as a teacher of adult Sunday school classes. Mr. Bennett demonstrated a servant role by the way he lived his life: He was equally "at home" chairing boards and committees, and serving as the church's custodian, which he did from 1991 to 1997. His example of service and devotion to his God and his church challenged many others to acts of service and love.
Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 S. Main Street, Goshen. There also will be a brief period for visitation at the Prairie Street Mennonite Church, 1316 Prairie St., Elkhart, on Monday, Nov. 23, at 9:30 a.m.
The graveside service and burial will be at 10 a.m. in the Prairie Street Cemetery. A memorial service at the church will follow at 11 a.m., presided over by the Rev. Gene Lackore.
Memorials may be given to Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Health Association or Greencroft Inc.