Barbara Ann Bennett

Barbara was born in Hamilton, Ohio to Edna (nee Groll) and Robert Lacey on October 5, 1944. She is the beloved wife of Ronald Bennett; devoted mother of Carla (Daryl) Hays, Kevin (Lorie) Spradling, Darin (Rachel) Spradling and honorary daughters and dear friends Christine Black and Gina Stigall; loving grandmother of Tina Harper, Casy (Justin) Leab, Kyra (Mack) Sansone, Alesha McGoldrick, Ashley (Pedro) Salivar, Levi (Danielle) McGoldrick, Dustin Spradling, Chasity Spradling, Samantha (Steven) Burry, Phillip Spradling, Christopher Spradling, Abby Stavitzski, Graceigh Spradling and 21 great grandchildren; dear sister of twin brother Dale (Debbie) Lacey, Rita (the late Mike) Kellagher and the late Keith Lacey; cherished friend of Marty Smith for over two decades and many other dear friends and extended family. 

Barbara was a woman of many talents and skills, but was best known for how much she poured her heart out in the service of her family and community. In 1973 she was honored as the Military Wife of the Year with the United States Air Force and is also the former recipient of the Oxford Citizen of the Year award. Barbara served with the American Red Cross for over 59 years, assisting with some of the nation's largest crises such as the Katrina Hurricane aftermath and assisting at the Pentagon after 9/11. Back at home, she still found time to coach softball and attend all the sporting events her 3 kids were involved with. She was employed with Miami University before retiring after 31 years. MU was also her alma mater, as she worked for years while raising her children to obtain her Associate's degree from Miami in accounting. She was also an EMT with the Oxford Fire Department for 17 years, a decades-long member of the local Oxford chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #225, and attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Oxford. Barbara still was able to find time occasionally to express her gifts as an incredibly talented artist who loved sketching and painting, and was particularly skilled with Trichem painting. But more than anything else, Barbara was a mother, wife and grandmother who adored her family who would do anything for them. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

A visitation will be held for Barbara on Monday, May 22, 2023 from 10 am until time of Order of Eastern Star service followed by the funeral service at 12 pm. Burial immediately to follow at Butler County Memorial Park.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann Bennett, please visit our floral store.