Helen Bennett

Helen Margaret "Teri" Bennett peacefully passed away on November 6, 2024, in Long Beach, CA leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication to family and community.

Teri was born on August 9, 1927, in Moberly, Missouri to Eugene and Mary Margaret (O'Keefe) Rohan. Teri joined her sister, Marilyn in a lively household.

Teri attended Moberly Junior College and then continued her studies at Maryville University, St. Louis, Missouri. Teri was an active member of the student body along with the Library Club, International Relations Club, and Pep Club. Her college years were filled with learning, leadership and building lifelong friendships.

In 1949 Teri moved to Glendale, CA where she began a career with American Airlines. Shortly thereafter, Teri met William "Bill" Bennett. Bill and Teri were married on October 14, 1950. Interestingly, Teri and Bill held off their wedding so Casey Stengel, the Yankee Coach who was a family member could attend their wedding.

Bill and Teri moved to Porterville, CA where they raised their five children on the family citrus ranch, Broadview Citrus Groves. Teri was a devoted community member active in the Las Madrinas Guild, and SETCO. Teri was busy with her children's 4-H, PTA, and volunteering at Porterville High School functions. Teri was a member of St. Anne's Church where she participated in the Altar Society and assisted with Catechism. Teri enjoyed gardening, making her homemade ketchup, baking and knitting.

Teri is preceded in death by her parents, sister, husband Bill, son John and grandson Nick. Teri is survived by her children Patrick, (Cheryl), William II (Billy) (Cathryn), Gregory and Kathryn. Teri is also survived by her grandchildren, Shawn, Devin, Christie, Joey, Garrett, Lauren, and Stefan.

Teri's keen intellect, love of travel, and devotion to family, friends and community will be greatly missed. In honor of Teri, raise a glass at 5:00 PM (her cherished cocktail hour) and toast a remarkable women.

A Visitation will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Rosary will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne's Church on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Vandalia Cemetery in Porterville, California.

Donations can be made to Teri's beloved diabetic charity, DYF, 5167 Clayton Rd., Suite F, Clayton, CA 94521 or you can visit, www.DYF.org/donate- <http://www.DYF.org/donate->Bear Skin Meadows.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.