Jerrene Joyce Bennett, daughter of Dr. Paul M. and Juanita (Bartlett) Jillson, was born May 3, 1924 at Elgin, NE. She attended Elgin Public Schools, graduated from Elgin High School in 1942, and taught country school for a year, riding a horse to school. She then furthered her education at Midland College in Fremont and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in 1946 as a Registered Nurse.

On March 23, 1947, Jerrene was united in marriage with Kenneth D. Bennett at the Presbyterian Church in Elgin, NE. The couple lived in Pensacola, FL for five months until Kenneth was honorably discharged from the service. They returned to Nebraska and made there home in Elgin, NE. Jerrene worked as a registered nurse for 20 years in nursing homes in Neligh and Tilden.

Jerrene was an Admiral of the Nebraska Navy, a devoted volunteer at the Red Cross Blood Drives, an original and long-term member of the Elgin EMT’s, and worked for more than 10 years as the head nurse at the “Girls’ State” event. Jerrene was extremely involved in the republican party; both at the state and national levels. Jerrene enjoyed her work, her volunteerism, her family and playing Bridge.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Kenneth Bennett of Elgin, NE; two sons: Michael Bennett and his wife Peggy of Kennesaw, GA; William P. Bennett, Sr and wife JoAnne of Papillion, NE; six grandchildren: Michelle (Bryan) Howley; Christopher Bennett; Courtney S. (Schyler) Fricke; William “Paul” Bennett Jr. and fiancé Allison Leapley; Whitney A. Bennett; Matthew H. Bennett; one great-granddaughter: Brooklynn Howley; and one brother: Dr. Dale Jillson of Elgin, NE.

Jerrene was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Ted, Paul and Gene Jillson.