Arlie Joyce Bennett

Arlie Joyce Bennett was born in Antrim County, Michigan on November 22, 1921 and grew up on a farm located at the corner of US 31 and Essex Rd. She lived an amazing and fascinating life. During her school years, she attended the one room school house of Maple Hill, and graduated from Central Lake High School in 1939. After graduation, she spent two years working at the Traverse City State Hospital. She eventually enlisted in the Army, where she served two years as a Sargent in the Women's Army Air Corp. stationed in France. She later attended Alma College for two years and the University of Michigan where she received her bachelors degree in 1950. She spent 3 1/2 years completing her undergraduate in social work at Ypsilanti State Hospital, before returning to graduate school full time. Arlie received her Master of Social Work degree from University of Michigan in 1955. With a passion for helping others, she spent the next sixteen years working for the Kalamazoo Child Guidance Clinic, as the Chief Social Worker. From 1971 to 1990, she worked as a Clinical Social Worker at the State Technical & Rehabilitation. Arlie was a member of many organizations, community board service and publications. She lived in a great neighborhood in Kalamazoo, where "neighbors" really meant neighbors. During her retirement years she loved visiting family and friends, small woodworking and upholstery projects, walking, camping, growing flowers and yellow tomatoes. Arlie was the eldest survivor of the Charles Bennett Family. She now leaves only her younger sister, Nola Dawson of Kewadin, MI. The family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.