Wauneta J. Bennett

Wauneta J. Bennett, 98, of Newman passed away peacefully on Monday March 3, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon.

Wauneta was born to Sidney and Hazel (Deck) Watson on June 7, 1926 in Henning, IL. She married David Hugh Bennett on November 28, 1945. She is survived by 3 sons, Gale (Joyce) Bennett of Zephyrhills, FL; Duane Bennett of Newman; and Douglas (Cindy) Bennett of Savoy; three grandchildren, Kimberly Koester of Tuscola, Cindi Bennett of Tuscola, and Brammon Bennett of Elgin; two great grandchildren Liberty and Justice Koester of Tuscola, and many nieces and nephews. Also included are two step-grandsons, Tad (Suzanne) and Ryan Wesley and three step great grandchildren, Adam, Brianna, and Kalyssa.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband David Hugh Bennett; one brother, Donald E. Watson; two sisters Retha (Howard) Mallett and Louise (Emerson) Davis. Also preceding was a step mother, Georgian (Bennett) Watson. 

Wauneta graduated from Newman High School working at many jobs and getting an LPN degree. At age 50, she continued her education, getting her BS RN degree from Parkland College then working at Jarman, Mercy, and Carle hospitals plus working at Newman Convalescent Home. 

Wauneta loved being outside working in her garden and flowers. She enjoyed collecting antiques and clocks and could often be found at garage sales and antique stores. She always enjoyed fall festivals especially Covered Bridge and beef sandwiches at Tangiers, IN. She was an avid Illinois Basketball fan and cherished her time getting together with friends for coffee at the local antique store in Newman. She loved hunting morel mushrooms, tractor pulls calling them "my smokers", and making individual birthday cakes for her sons.

A visitation will be held from 1 – 2 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. all held at the Joines Funeral Home in Newman.  Pastor Joe Carter will be officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

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