Marietta Ooley Bennett

Marietta Bennett, 85, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed on to the ultimate glory of her heavenly home on June 8, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Marietta was born March 24, 1931, in Bloomington, IN. She was the fifth child of eight to John Stephenson Ooley and Grace Sears Ooley: preceded by Austin (Louise) Ooley, Jane Ooley (Ora) Floyd, Marta Ooley (Carl) Davis, Wilma Ooley (Ernie) Bell, and followed by Donald (Dorothy) Ooley, Harold (Shelba) Ooley, and Irene Ooley (Henry Bud) Baugh. She grew up in Bloomington, graduated from University High School, and immediately went to work at Sarkes Tarzian. She soon met the love of her life; William Jackson Bennett. Married August 5, 1949, they enjoyed a fruitful marriage blessed with two wonderful daughters; Debra and Julie. Once her children were in grade school, Marietta persued a professional hair stylist license and became an entreprenuer. Marietta’s Beauty Shop was a successful business for over 20 years due to the tenacious generosity she showed to her loyal customers. She also invited many aspiring beauticians to develop their skills in her shop, and at one point she included a boutique featuring fashions and accessories of Billie Mitchell’s Kirkwood Ave clothing store. Marietta and Bill were lifetime members of Fairview United Methodist Church, where they were married, and Marietta served and cared for the children in Junior Church and Bible School. They volunteered for many years at the 10th Street Stadium’s Fourth of July Fireworks, running popcorn and soda pop stands, as longtime members of the American Legion. Marietta was also a devoted member of Alpha Delta Omega Sorority, where she enjoyed planning dances and membership drives. In their leasure, Marietta and Bill enjoyed ballroom dancing, supporting IU Football as season ticket holders (including the ‘68 journey to the Rose Bowl), and traveling throughout the United States. Together, Marietta and Bill were always willing to devote time and resources to family members by opening their hearts and home to those in need. A strong, independent, and generous woman, Marietta was Bill's caregiver during his Alzheimer's journey. She used her creative energies sewing and crocheting, was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, loved watching movies, and in her later years enjoyed playing with her iPhone. But most of all she loved spending time with family, and hearing of their adventures. Many wonderful memories were made with this incredibly strong wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She truly will be missed, and her legacy will live on. Marietta is survived by her daughters: Debra Sue (Al) Cade of Montgomery TX; Julie Bennett Dreesen, Marietta’s Caregiver, of Bloomington IN; grandchildren: Crystal Grubb (Bil) Willis and Laura Ashley Grubb (Michael Gerhard) of Montgomery TX; Jack Cornell Dreesen of Bloomington IN; James Robert Dreesen Jr (Kerri) of Eden Prairie MN; great-grandchild: Sophie Adele Willis of Montgomery TX. She is also survived by, sisters Wilma Ooley Bell and Irene Ooley Baugh, brother Harold Ooley, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank all friends, family, and Premiere Hospice staff for their support. The kindness, help and guidance to comfort Marietta the last few years was a testament to the love she shared in her life. Please come join her family on Monday, June 13, 2016 for the 11:00 am service at the Allen Funeral Home & Crematory 4155 S. Old St Rd 37. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time. The procession to Valhalla Memory Gardens will follow the service, where she will be entombed beside her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to: Fairview United Methodist Church. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to the family at www.allencares.com

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Marietta Ooley Bennett

March 24, 1931 - June 8, 2016