Esther G. Bennett
(June 2, 1929 – May 12, 2014)
Esther Grace Bennett, passed away May 12, 2014 from her residence at the Kings Daughter Home.Esther was born June 2, 1929 to Vinton C. and Elsie (Herner) Graham in Evart, Michigan. Esther married Earl D. Bennett on September 27, 1947 in Midland, he predeceased her on April 30, 1993. Together they raised four children that survive her.Esther was an astute and successful businesswoman in Midland. In 1957 she and her husband Earl co-founded Bennett Construction Company, a major contributor to Midland's growth. She became president after his death in 1993. They owned and managed the Golden Carousel restaurant along with many other businesses. Together they fostered Esther?ÇÖs love of horses by building Greystone Farms Arabians, where they bred, trained and showed purebred Arabian horses. Esther considered the Arabian Horse to be the most beautiful horse in the world. At one time 81 horses graced the fields of Greystone Farms. They supported Midland county 4-H and were especially fond of the Tall in the Saddle program that used equine activities for people with special needs and used the farm and horses for some of their activities.Esther Bennett translated her passion for Christmas into a gift for the entire community, and was a prime initiator of the annual Christmas parade, which provides funding for the Salvation Army "Toys for kids" program. For 37 years the exterior of Esther Bennett's home and front lawns became a fantasy Christmas Winter Wonderland, visited by families from Midland and neighboring counties. Esther was involved with many clubs throughout her life, she with Earl enjoyed years of square dancing that took them too many locations to dance with their club. She also for many years was on a bowling league, member of the tri-county Horse Association, Women?ÇÖs Elk club and many other causes she supported.Esther is survived by her four children, Linda (Fred) Dice, Marcia (Gerd) Veigel, Todd (Ann) Bennett of Midland and Carol (Tim) Harrington of Franklin TN. She is also survived by grandchildren, Tyler (Carrie) Snyder, Joslyn Giltrop, Joshua Bennett, and Susan Bennett of Midland. Julie (Scott) Brown of Cottonwood CA. Tammy (Shannon) Williams of Novato, CA. and Chad (Brooke) Dickinson of Franklin, TN. She was also blessed with 10 great grandchildren, Zachary Reimer, Mackenzie (Joel) Hopkins, Grant Snyder, Carson Snyder of Midland, Lexie (Richard) Crampton of Bunnlevel NC, Trinity, Nikki and Johnny Brown of Cottonwood CA, Benjamin, Ryan and Grant Williams of Novato, CA, Brady Dickinson of Franklin, TN. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Esther was predeceased by her six sisters, Dora, Clara, Beth, Eva, Louise, Audrey and a grandson Shawn Snyder.Esther?ÇÖs family would like to give their gratitude to all of her caregivers that gave their mother the best care over the years. With special thank you to Annie, her most recent caregiver, and to the staff at Kings Daughter Home for their support during this time, and to those at Bickford were she resided until recently.A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Smith-Miner Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Schacher officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 4-7 pm and on Thursday from 10 am until the time of service.Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Midland County Humane Society, Tall in the Saddle Program, or the 4H Club of Midland.On line condolences can be given at smithminer.com