Virgie Bennison, 89, died on Jan. 27 at home with her family around her.

She was born on April 30, 1919, in Romance, Mo., to Cicero and Ollie Nance. In 1929, she moved with her family to Burns, where she attended school.

On Aug. 26, 1939, she married Howard “Smokey” Bennison.

Bennison had many things she enjoyed during her life. She loved gardening, playing cards at family gatherings, camping and fishing, bowling, and she especially enjoyed going to the casino. She loved baking and cooking and she cherished her cow collection, always making a place in her home for them.

Bennison also loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bennison is survived by her husband of 69 years, Smokey Bennison; and children, Gary Bennsion and wife, Valerie, and Nancy Ray and husband, Garry.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Ted Bennison and wife, Beth and Tonya Fox and husband, Ron; great-grandchildren, Catherine and Jonathan Bennison; niece, Sandy Joanik; nephew, Dennis Maw; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Feb. 2 at Pioneer Presbyterian Church.

Contributions in Bennison’s memory may be made to the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center or Harney County Home Health in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.