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Donna “Jean” (Bennett) Gerhardt, age 84, went home to Jesus on July 29, 2024, at her home in Globe, Arizona, surrounded by her family. Jeanie was born on Dec. 23, 1939, in Belington, West Virginia on her family farm. She was the daughter of Stuart and Helen Bennett and came to Arizona from West Virginia in 1948.
Jeanie attended Globe Schools, graduating from Globe High School in 1957. She attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where she met the love of her life, Ralph. After high school, she continued to Northern Arizona University, majoring in music and education. After receiving her degree, she and Ralph were married on July 28, 1961.
Jeanie taught for Mesa schools for 2 years and then settled in Globe Schools for over 30 years. She played the organ for her church for over 40 years, rarely missing a Sunday and was a member of Eastern Star White Mountain Chapter #8, OES, where she was also the organist. For a short time, Jeanie was involved in the Gila County Historical Society and on the Community Concert Board.
Left behind in loving memory are her husband, Ralph Gerhardt of Globe, her daughters Patti Cartmell and Karen Haley, 3 grandchildren, (Kristi Zaragoza, Christopher Cartmell, Sara Gacek) and 5 great-grandchildren (Raymond, Xavier, Remi, Ethan, Maddie) with another on the way (Sedona).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart Lee Bennett and Helen Lucile Bennett as well as her beloved Aunt Virginia, Aunt Marie, and her Uncle Bill.
Services will be on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Globe, Arizona. Viewing from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Funeral Service will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Mountain Breeze Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Miami, Arizona.
As Jeanie loved animals, especially her rescue dogs Buddy and Ginger, memorial contributions may be sent to High Desert Humane Society in her name, 150 W. Mesquite St. Globe, Arizona 85501.
