Audrey Bennett

Audrey E. Bennett, 93, of Independence and formerly of Hawkeye, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at the Buchannan County Health Center in Independence.

A Celebration of Life was held, Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oelwein.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye assisted Audrey’s family. 

Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Audrey Eileen, daughter of Austin and Helen (Huffman) Ames, was born July 7, 1925, in Luana, Iowa. 

She received her education in the Postville schools. 

On Dec. 18, 1940, she was united in marriage with Doyle Bennett at East Clermont Lutheran Church, where she would later be baptized and confirmed in 1947. 

Audrey worked as a waitress for many years, prior to owning and operating Bennett’s Tap in Hawkeye for 21 years. 

She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, the Hawkeye Legion Auxiliary, and the V.F.W. 

Audrey was a longtime resident of Hawkeye, prior to moving to Independence to be closer to family.

Audrey is survived by two sons, Mavin Bennett of Wesley, Okla., and Robert (Darcy) Bennett of Fort Gaines, Ga.; four daughters, Beverly (Skip) Baker of Clermont, Barbara Ann (Paul) Hyde of Austin, Texas, Betty Miller of Independence, and Becky Bennett of McGregor; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Judeen) Ames of Wisconsin; three sisters, Darlene Moon of Monona, Marilyn (Bob) Havelec of Cedar Rapids, and Meredith (Gary) Gents of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle; two sons, Kevin and Kirk Bennett; a grandson, Jason Bennett; two brothers, Curtis and Clayton Ames; and three sisters, Donna Mae Protsman, Bonnie Hines, and Diane Benhart.