Stephanie Le Bennett's Obituary
Stephanie-le Bennett, of Little Cherry Creek Ranch, Pinos Altos, NM, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2023 in Denton, MD. Born on October 3, 1940, in San Diego, CA, to Capt. Hilary C. Rowe and Dora-le Rowe. Stephanie lived a life rich with diverse experiences.
Stephanie pursued her studies at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, the University of Maryland in Far East, MD, and later at Eastern New Mexico University in Clovis, NM.
Stephanie served as a Den Mother for 30 years, contributed to the Panhellenic Club in Clovis, NM, and was a pioneer "soccer mom" long before the role gained popularity. Her leadership extended to roles such as President of the Woman's Auxiliary Little League Baseball in Clovis, NM, Welfare Chairman at the 315th Air Division in Tachikawa, Japan, and various positions within the Red Cross, including Bloodbank Chairman in Tachikawa, Japan, and Red Cross Chairman at Cannon AFB, NM. Her dedication to politics and community service led her to become the President of the Republican Women in Curry and Grant Counties in NM, as well as the Vice Chairman of the GOP Central Committee in Queen Anne's County, MD. Stephanie was also an active member of numerous clubs, including the Jr. Women's Club in Clovis, NM, Gold Star Wives, and DAR El Portal Chapter in Clovis/Portales, NM, and the Jacob Bennett Chapter in Silver City, NM.
Stephanie is survived by her sons: William Winfield Vanous III of Clovis, NM, Ted Bennett, and Bryan Bennett of Garland, TX; daughters: Jennifer Whitehead (David) of Rogue River, OR, and Melissa Gillespie (Kevin) of Federalsburg, MD. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Lorrissa Short, Meagen Alonzo, Michael Vanous, Megan Green (Craig), Tiffany Garcia (Greg), Tyler Short (Areli), Emily Cox, Sarah Gillespie, and Rachel Gillespie, and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, Capt. Hilary C. Rowe, USN (retired) and Dora-le Rowe, her brother, Hilary C. Rowe, Jr., her husbands, William Winfield Vanous, Jr., and Jeffrey T. Bennett, Brent F. Buchheister, her beloved companion of over 25 years, and her son, Michael S. Vanous.
Stephanie's hobbies were crocheting, gardening, reading, playing bridge and cribbage, canning, raising animals, target practicing, sewing, cooking, and embracing the simple pleasures of life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to High Desert Humane Society, 3050 Cougar Way, Silver City, NM 88061.
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