Nancy Ruth Hockett Bennett

Nancy Ruth Hockett Bennett, 84, died March 10.

She was born on March 8, 1922, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Stephen and Bertha Hockett. She attended elementary and high school in Des Moines and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

In 1941, she married Chester G. Bennett. They moved to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1952 where they lived for nearly 40 years.

Shortly before moving to Phoenix, Nancy contracted polio and for the remainder of her adult life walked with the aid of a brace and cane. Friends and family often remarked, “The polio never slowed her down.”

Besides raising her five children, she had many interests. As a member and president of the Heard Museum Guild, she enjoyed studying and sharing her knowledge of Arizona and Southwest Native American culture.

She had a love of nature and the Arizona Desert Botanical Garden was one of her favorite spots. She was an avid reader, talented writer and storyteller.

Her other interests included astronomy, geology, history, animals, jazz music, gourmet cooking, gardening, golf and travel.

In 1990, she and her husband moved to Bainbridge Island, where for the last 15 years they enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.

During her lifetime, she wrote numerous poems, short stories and one novel for both family and pleasure. She was also a volunteer at the Bloedel Reserve.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Chester; children Claudia (Lynn) Divelbess, Suzanne Cary, Joanne (Ray) Moudy, Ken (Susan) Bennett, Carolyn (Mark) Greer; grandchildren Rob (Rachel) Divelbess, Ken (Gelila) Divelbess, Shannon (Chris) Schneider, Chad (Dayna) Cary, Matt (Kelly) Cary, Brian Moudy, Andrew (Jill) Decker, Hayes Greer and Eli Bennett; and great-grandchildren Xander, Ashlyn and Yordanos.

Donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island.