“You can never outgive God.” This was a phrase Glenda Bennett would often say, and it was a fitting expression for the way she lived until the moment she transitioned into eternity on April 1, 2022. Generosity was a hallmark of her 76 years on earth. She was generous with her words—able to talk to anyone. She was generous with her time—always willing to help where needed. She was generous with her resources—never more joy-filled than when she was giving a gift to her children, her grandchildren, her church or to a stranger.

Her legacy of joyful generosity flowed from the heritage she received from her parents, Reverend Lonnie and Alma Thomas, who gave their lives to serve the people of the southwestern United States as pastors and missionaries. Glenda Gayle Bennett was born November 21, 1945, in Tyler, Texas but spent her younger years in Old River, Texas where her parents pastored Old River Assembly of God. Glenda, her sister Janine and her brother Noel made many wonderful memories playing in the woods, catching crawdads in the ditches, and spending time with sweet friends in their church. Glenda’s family moved to Phoenix in 1961 where Lonnie and Alma were missionaries to the American Indians.  Glenda lived with her family in Phoenix until she attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.

In 1970 Glenda met Richard Bennett after moving back to Arizona. They were married April 30, 1971.  In 1979, Glenda and Dick relocated to Springfield, Missouri with their three children where Dick began working in furniture sales.  Eventually Dick and Glenda bought Wheeler’s Furniture, and together built the business which they always viewed as a ministry allowing them to share Christ and expand their capacity for generosity toward the Kingdom of God. When Dick passed away on May 16, 2014, Glenda took over the running of Wheelers Furniture, which she continued leading with the same mission and passion until her passing.

During her children’s growing up years, Glenda primarily stayed home and was an amazing mother to Gregg, Becky and Kim. She was always very involved with their schools, friends, and activities, and she was a constant support for them even into their adult lives. Through her life they saw her deep love for God and passion to see others know Christ. They heard her laugh and saw her smile continually light up the rooms she was in. They experienced her immeasurable love and care.  She adored her grandchildren and took every opportunity to dote on them, spending time with them and spoiling them.  But the biggest gift she gave her children and grandchildren were the daily prayers she prayed for each of them. She was in a continual conversation with her Heavenly Father until she heard him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

She is survived by her children: Gregg and wife Karen of Fresno, California; two daughters, Becky Lindell and husband David of Ozark and Kim Robilotto and husband Jon of Charlotte, North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Judah and Mia Bennett; Owen, Elliot, Henley and Calvin Lindell; Riley and Emerson Robilotto; one brother Noel Thomas and wife Earlene; one sister-in-law Ruth Bennett; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and close friends.

Glenda was preceded in death by her husband Dick Bennett, her parents Lonnie and Alma Thomas, her sister Janine, and her brothers-in-law Don and Mac Bennett.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, at James River Church in Ozark.  Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield.  Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, at Greenlawn East Funeral Home, Springfield. In lieu of flowers the family has made arrangements for donations to be made to WorldServe International, C/O James River Church 6100 North 19th Street Ozark, Missouri 65721. Dick and Glenda were passionate about the mission of this organization and partnered with them to provide clean water to some of the most vulnerable people groups in the world.