Gail Patrice Bennett, age 73, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on May 22, 2024, at The Maples Health and Rehabilitation.  Gail was born to Lowell and Joyce Sanders on May 7, 1951, in Springfield, MO. She was raised in Springfield and graduated from Glendale High School in 1969. Gail also attended Missouri State University (at the time, SMS). Gail was united in marriage to Yancy “Frank” Bennett, Jr. on July 2, 1971; they would have celebrated their 53^rd anniversary this July.  The couple were blessed with two sons, Yancy and Brian.

Gail was employed in positions of increasing responsibility with the Springfield Public School System starting in food service and retiring as a Certified Professional Secretary.  Gail would then work at the Springfield Downtown Rotary part time until Frank retired.  When not working, Gail had many interests and activities, including gardening, collecting teddy bears and dancing as a member of the square dance troupe, L.D. Keller and the Promenaders.  Nothing brought her more fulfillment than being a mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and always supported them in their sports and musical endeavors, and of course was there for every graduation.  Gail also had a great fondness for her dogs.  While an animal lover in general, she was particularly fond of golden retrievers.  Her own dogs were very special to her and she fondly referred to them as her children.  They always traveled with her and would even watch television with her.

Gail was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a women’s service group.  Along with her husband Frank, Gail would spend eight years as a camp host at Stockton Lake State Park.  They would do this together several times a year.  She was often described by others as smart, fun, and a great friend.

Gail was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Thomason; father, Lowell Sanders; and grandparents, Claude and Beth Oldham.  She is survived by her husband Yancy “Frank” Bennett, Jr.; son, Yancy Bennett and wife Stacey; son, Brian Bennett and wife Shelli; grandchildren, Brayden Bennett, Nick Netherton and wife Katie, Brianna Bennett and fiancé Hunter Davis, and Austin Bennett; her brother, Terry Sanders and wife Vickie; sister-in-law and dear friend Sally McConnell, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Gail will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East in Springfield with her funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospitals.