Carol J. (Milberger) Bennett, 78, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Via Christi Village in Hays, Kansas.

Carol was born November 24, 1936 in Russell, the daughter of Jacob and Carrie (Strecker) Milberger.  She grew up in rural Russell and graduated from Russell High School.  Then after her boys were raised, she attended Barton County Community College where she received an associate’s degree in nursing.

Carol was united in marriage to Reginald Bennett on September 9, 1956 in Russell.  This union was blessed with two sons, Ron and Reginald.  They made their home in Russell.

Carol was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She worked as a Technician in X-Ray at Russell Regional Hospital when she attended BCCC.  She then worked several years as a Registered Nurse for Russell Regional Hospital.  After that, she was a co-owner of C & R Oil Company with Reginald.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Church Council, Alter Guild and Martha’s Circle.  She was the first woman Mayor of Russell City.  She was on the Russell City Council and was involved with Economic Development for Russell County for over 13 years.  She enjoyed reading, gardening and all types of shooting.

Surviving family include her husband of 58 years, Reginald of the home; two sons, Ron Bennett (Karla) of Hays, Kansas and Reginald T. Bennett (Lisa) of Olathe, Kansas; and two grandchildren, Cody Bennett and Clayton Bennett both of Russell, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Ralph Milberger and Jacob Milberger, Jr., and two sisters Hester Peck and Shirley Woods.

Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, June 25, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery of Russell.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell Shrine Travel Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.