William Bennitt

William “Bill” Kent Bennitt, 79 of Stevensville passed away on December 27, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family and their care.

A memorial service will be held 11 AM Friday, December 31, 2010 at Zion United Church of Christ, Baroda with Reverend Christopher Noffke officiating. Friends may meet with the family on Thursday from 6-8 PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. Burial will be in Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Lakeland Hospice.

Bill was born April 9, 1931 in Ferry, Michigan the son of the late William and Florence (Cober) Bennitt. On February 2, 1953 he married Beverly Rutz at the RAF Station Burtonwood in Warrington England while serving in the US Air Force and was a member of the Burtonwood Association, Baroda American Legion Post # 345, Baroda Lions Club, and had served on the Baroda Village Council. Bill enjoyed a career as a truck driver and owner/operator. With a strong work ethic, he was a great role model to those he worked with.

Survivors include this wife, Beverly of 57 years; four children - Angela (Tom) Kacynski of Bridgman, Doug (Ann) Bennitt of St. Joseph, Julie (Clive) Miller of San Diego, CA and Dave (Cindy) Bennitt of Berrien Springs; seven grandchildren - Eric (Jen) Gaul, Ryan Gaul, Derek Vallee, Devin Vallee, Jeremy, Kali and Melissa Bennitt; eight great grandchildren - Harley, Chase and Mackenzie Gaul, Jacob Gaul, Lilli Kacynski, Kingston Bennitt, Brooke and Taylor Vallee; a sister - Marilyn Culp; two brothers - Robert (Barbara) Bennitt and Fred Bennitt; and all his friends in Florida including his best friend Max.

Bill was also preceded in death by a daughter - Patti; a grandson - Michael Kacynski, a brother - Rex Bennitt and a sister - Lois Gill.