Gayle Graham Bennett

Gayle Graham Bennett, teacher, volunteer, an avid quilter, and devoted grandmother, died at home July 3, 2017. Gayle was perhaps best known as an English teacher at Manhattan High School, where she shared her love of British literature and mentored advanced sophomores. She was a big supporter of MHS’s fine arts program and spearheaded several youth initiatives, including the Little Apple Task Force on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, which organized after-Prom parties and other activities aimed at providing alternatives to underage drinking. Upon retirement, Gayle went on to volunteer throughout the community. She served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and was the 2002 CASA of the Year. She served on the board of the Manhattan Arts Center for eight years, two as President. She especially loved her work as a docent on the Konza Prairie, where she was active for nearly 10 years. She was an organist and food pantry worker at Ogden Friendship House United Methodist Church. She regularly volunteered at Shepherd’s Crossing. And she was a member of College Avenue United Methodist Church for more than 40 years, along with her husband, Tom. At home, Gayle was exceptionally talented with fabrics and embroidery. She spent most of her time quilting, doing counted cross stitch, and making clothing for her grandchildren. The homes of lucky friends and family are graced with her handmade gifts. Gayle was a seeker and a woman of strong opinions. She was an outspoken Democrat, whose letters to the Manhattan Mercury were famously potent and pointed. She read voraciously, with a particular interest in the subject of Christianity. She was never satisfied with easy answers. In the end, though, it was the simplest things she loved best: Serving at Ogden and being with her three grandchildren, who were the true lights of her life. Gayle was born March 13, 1947, in Hull, Iowa, one of 5 children. She attended Hull High School, South Dakota State University, and Washburn University. She later earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Kansas State University. Gayle is preceded in death by her husband, Tom; sister, Jo Anne Graham Hymans, and her parents, Chuck and Muriel Graham. She is survived by her sister, Peg Baack (Phoenix, AZ), brothers Ronald Graham (Fergus Falls, MN) and Donald Graham (Redlands, CA), her daughters, Leslie Bennett Stahl (Cleveland, OH) and Sara Bennett Wealer (Cincinnati, OH), and her grandchildren, Margaret Jo Anne Wealer (13), Nathaniel Thomas Stahl (12) and Beatrice Rea Wealer (8). A “Celebration of Life” is scheduled for 11 a.m. August 12 at College Avenue United Methodist Church in conjunction with the service for her husband Tom. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Ogden Friendship House United Methodist Church, PO Box 328, 106 N. Elm, Ogden, KS 66517.