Patricia Joann Bennett

Joann Bennett, a creative and giving woman who enjoyed playing golf, walking her dog at Wildwood and working on one of her many artistic endeavors died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 14th in Perrysburg, Ohio. She was 85, born on November 25, 1931 in Emporia, Kansas to Cleo Ernest Roth and Clara Elizabeth Roth. Throughout her life she enjoyed growing up in different states including Illinois, Ohio and Maryland. During summers off from University of Delaware she spent time on her family farm in Virginia caring for animals and attending to the many beautiful flowers her mother planted. In 1952, her always present luck presented itself when she began dating the love of her life, Lewis Henry Bennett, a close friend of her brother Gil Roth. Four years later in 1956 Joann and Lew embarked on their beautiful life journey when they married in West Point, Virginia after Lew was discharged from the Navy. Life took Joann and Lew to New York City and the suburb of Jamesburg, NJ where she taught grade school art and ultimately focused on raising their three children. In 1968, a job transfer brought their growing family to the city of Toledo. Here, Joann passionately lived a complete life volunteering at Friendly Center, Meals on Wheels and the Sight Center. She held multiple leadership positions at Aldersgate United Methodist Church and was a Girl Scout leader for many years. Joann threw herself into the community and enjoyed all the city had to offer-- golf with the Sodbuster’s at Ottawa Park, woodcarving wildlife with Black Swamp Woodcarvers and various art projects. Joann was a very talented and creative woman who focused on helping people and putting others before herself. She was a straightforward, strong woman and an example to all of us on how to live an honest and loving life. God bless Patricia Joann Roth Bennett. Joann is survived by her loving family; husband, Lewis; children, Susan (Rick) Nelson; Russell (Sarah) Bennett, Marianne (Joe) Wagner; grandchildren, Emily, Jack, and Callie Nelson, Lewis and Nolan Bennett, Madeline, Betsy, and Janey Wagner; brother, Ernest Roth; and sister-in-law, Frances Roth. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Gilbert Roth. Friends will be received on Friday, December 23, 2016 starting at 10:00 A.M. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4030 Douglas Road, Toledo, OH 43613, where a Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in JoAnn’s name may be made to the church. Arrangements by Witzler-Shank Funeral Home (419-874-3133).