Ercie Marie “Toots” Bennett, 98, of Buckhannon, flew her last flight to her Heavenly Home on Saturday, February 6, 2021. She passed under the compassionate care of Serenity Care Home and WV Hospice.

She was born in Eden on May 13, 1922, a daughter of the late Homer Ray “Pete” and May Morris Alkire.

On July 13, 1941, Toots married Carl R. “Bud” Bennett. Together they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on October 20, 1991. They have now been reunited to share eternity.

In addition to her parents and husband, Toots was preceded in death by two sisters: Joycie Baker and Opal Wright; and one nephew, Perry Wright.

Forever cherishing their memories of Toots are six nieces: Charlotte Stonestreet of Raleigh, N.C., Ruth Ann Gregory of Teter, W.Va., Jean Wright of Buckhannon, W.Va., Sharon Clevenger and husband, Sid, of Corry, Pa., Carmela Knight and husband, Greg, of Stonewood, W.Va., and Ruth Butler of Summersville, W.Va.; three nephews: Roger Wright of Teter, W.Va., P.J. Wright and wife, Pam, of Petersburg, W.Va., and Jim Baker and wife, Sylvia, of Summersville, W.Va.; and several great nieces and nephews.

Toots graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School and was Christian by faith. She was awarded a University of Hard Knocks Diploma in 1988. Toots worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Leonard Memorial Hospital in Buckhannon for many years. In 1954, Toots and Bud opened and operated Bud Bennett Motors in Buckhannon until 1975 when they retired. During retirement, Toots received her private pilot’s license and flew with Bud in their J-3 Piper Cub frequently. Her last flight was on her 80^th birthday. Toots was also a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star 18 Buckhannon Chapter.

Private interment will be held in the Heavner Cemetery at Buckhannon.

We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Ercie Marie “Toots” Bennett. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

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