Elsie Goodyear Bennett

Elsie Goodyear Bennett, 95, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2006 at her home. She was born on July 24, 1911 in Bushong, KS, the daughter of William and Leona Lusk Goodyear. She graduated from Bushong High School and Stricklers Business College in Topeka. She was the Executive Secretary to the President of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka for 19 years before retiring in 1976. Prior to that, she was the Office Manager and Executive Secretary to the General Manager of WIBW Radio and Television where she had worked for 15 years. Previously, she worked for the Bankers Mortgage Company and Murphy-Benis Motor Company in Topeka. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a life member of Topeka Chapter No. 462, O.E.S., and Beta Sigma Phi business and professional sorority. Elsie married Lowell H. Bennett on December 5, 1959 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2002. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, H.R. Goodyear, V.W. (Pat) Goodyear, Russell W. Goodyear and James E. Goodyear and two sisters, Hazel Disney and Wyoma Fursman. Survivors include one daughter, Sally Shideler Bass of Kansas City, MO, two step-daughters, Barbara Helen Bennett of Carbondale, Betty Ann Newton-Hayes of Divide, CO, one step-son, Roger Lowell Bennett of Liberty, MO, one brother, Rolla Lusk Goodyear of Mapel Hill, twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Elsie was fortunate to have devoted and compassionate caregivers during her final years. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2006 at the Mount Hope Chapel Mausoleum. Inurnment of cremains will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.