Elizabeth Irene (Vaughn) BENNETT

VAUGHN, BENNETT, MCALLISTER, GAWLEY, FOLGER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/2/2016 at 19:57:20

July 23, 1914 --- July 9, 1987

Elizabeth Bennett, community leader, dies at age 72

Elizabeth Bennett fashioned a many faceted career in the 40 years she lived in Eagle Grove ranging from teaching, scouting, student, newspaper reporter to an honorary member of Boys' Town. She died July 9 after battling cancer for several years.

Elizabeth Irene Vaughn was born on July 23, 1914 to Charles and Nellie McAllister Vaughn at Farragut, Iowa. She was raised in Farragut where she was a member of the Congregational Church After graduation from the Farragut High School in 1932, she attended Iowa Teachers College at Cedar Falls for two years. Elizabeth was united in marriage to W.G (Bill) Bennett of Northboro, Iowa on May 27, 1939 at Tarkio, Mo. The Bennett family moved to Eagle Grove in 1948 where Bill was an educator in the Eagle Grove school system.

Elizabeth was extremely active in community affairs while raising her four children, she served as a den leader in the Cub Scouts and a Girl Scout leader. She was a recipient of the Thanks Badge from the Girl Scouts of America for her 25 years of service. She was also active in a variety of positions in the United Church of Christ, Eastern Star, Business and Professional Women, A.A.U.W., Legion Auxiliary, Eagle Grove Ambassador, and honorary member of Boys Town. She was instrumental in the organization of the early Scandinavian Dagger Parades and was a Parade Marshall in 1983. In 1980, at the age of 65, she completed her baccalaureate degree in education from Buena Vista College. She was society editor of the Eagle Grove Eagle newspaper and wrote a column about the Rotary Ann Retirement home for several years. After the death of her husband on August 9, 1980, Elizabeth remained active in her community and traveled until illness restricted her activities. Illness confined her to hospitals and care centers throughout her last year.

Elizabeth died at Tabor Manor Care Center, Tabor, Iowa on July 9, 1987. She was 72 years, 11 months and 17 days of age. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, a brother, and seven grandchildren. Survivors are: Major William C. Bennett, Fort Bragg, N.C., Vaughn P. Bennett, Glenwood, Iowa; Colleen Elizabeth (Mrs Michael) Gawley, Omaha, Neb., Marguerite May (Mrs. Tim) Folger, St. Paul, Minn.; and [brother] Dr. Reese H. Vaughn, Davis, Calif. Grandchildren are David, Dale, Douglas, Dennis, Michaela, John; and Elizabeth. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her twin infant sons James Campbell and Arthur Vaughn.

Eastern Star services were held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, July 13, 1987 at the United Church of Christ in Eagle Grove. Reverend Ken Reiter officiated. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove.

July 15, 1987
Eagle Grove Eagle -- Iowa