Charlene Bennett

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Charlene Bennett, age 82, of Monett, MO passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16 at Cox South Hospital surrounded by family.

Charlene was born August 8, 1943 in Powell, MO to Charles and Jewell (Dalton) Poe. She was one of ten children. Charlene grew up in the Powell, MO area where she attended a one room school, Enterprise Grade School, with three of her siblings. She graduated from Rocky Comfort High School in 1961.

On April 30, 1965 Charlene was united in marriage to Clint Bennett in Wheaton, MO. They celebrated 43 years of marriage. To this union they welcomed four children: Cindy (Kevin) Baker of Hurley, MO; Gene (Laurie) Bennett of Rocky Comfort, MO; Cristy Bennett (Norm) of Nixa, MO and Carla Bennett of Monett, MO. She was known as MaMa to her 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Mary Banks, brother, Jack (Linda) Poe, sister-in-law Jeanne Bennett, brothers-in-law Jim Bennett and Eddie Bowman and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by: her parents, her husband, siblings Marie Wellesley, Laurana Shrum, Ruth Horton, Delores Forrester, Bill Poe, Leroy Poe, Bob Poe and many brothers/sisters-in-law.

Charlene enjoyed waitressing at both The Black Kettle Restaurant and Ma and Pa’s Restaurant in Monett because she loved talking to and serving people. She was well-loved by her customers and all who knew her. New customers weren’t strangers to her for long!

All who knew Charlene, saw how much she enjoyed life! She treasured her family and looked forward to get togethers. She was known for going all-out on her holiday decorations as well as having festive attire to match. She enjoyed being outdoors and in earlier years she could be found camping and waterskiing. She was a member of the Sugar Babies Red Hat Club with many of her family members. One of her favorite pastimes was garage-sale-hopping to find treasures at bargain prices. It was all about the hunt. She could spend all day at the penny slots and come home with the same $20 she left with. She had a love of working puzzles and playing games–even if she ALWAYS cheated at Catch Phrase! MaMa will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Charlene will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. Pastor Kevin Baker and Pastor Cody Stringer will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Arnhart Cemetery, East Purdy. Visitation will be from 5 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cox Health at Home Hospice. Arrangements are under the personal care of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.