Myrna Wallin Bennett

Myrna Bennett died after a short battle with cancer on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at home in Shelton, surrounded by family. She was 86 years old and had lived in Shelton on Little Skookum Inlet for most of her life.

Myrna was born August 14, 1935, in Olympia to Robert and Ruth (Dana) Wallin. She attended Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton and graduated in 1953. After high school she attended the University of Washington and graduated in 1956 with a bachelor's degree.

She married Richard Bennett on August 18th, 1956 at the Shelton Methodist Church. They eventually settled in the Seattle area with their three children.

While raising children, Myrna was an elementary teacher in Federal Way, Auburn and Kirkland. She then worked for a travel agency, as an activities director in a retirement home, and for many years, as a receptionist for Dick's CPA firm in Bellevue. Later in life, Myrna and Dick returned to her childhood home on Little Skookum and built a new house on the family property, next door to her sister, Marcia Booth. For the next 20 years, she was a partner in the family business, Wallin's Oysters and Clams. She did everything from beach work to bookwork and added a little pizazz to the business, hosting many company parties. She greatly admired the men and women who worked on the farm.

Myrna was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, where she made lifelong friends. She was a member of Chapter B, PEO, a philanthropic organization, and for several years was a docent at the Governor's Mansion in Olympia. She was member of the Mason County Historical Society and the Mason County Pioneer group. She enjoyed her luncheons with the class of 1953. She was very fond of her classmates and valued their companionship.

Myrna was passionately interested in current events. She loved studying American history, reading English mysteries, knitting and needlepoint, and gathering with family and friends, especially if she did not have to do the cooking. She was quick-witted and a sympathetic listener. She enjoyed ending each day watching PBS News hour with a tall glass of Sauvignon Blanc. She was a lovely, gracious lady who had a real spark for life. We will miss her always.

Myrna was preceded in death by her husband Dick. She is survived by her three children: Ann Kenny (Rob Kenny) of Woodinville, WA Mary Bennett (Gordon Martinen) of Shelton, WA and Matt Bennett (Teri Adolfo Bennett) of Sebastopol, CA. She is also survived by granddaughter Andrea Ayers (Nathan Ayers) of Puyallup, WA sister, Marcia Booth and niece Sharon Booth, and by her beloved cats, Latte and Mocha.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shelton Kitten Rescue or to the animal rescue of your choice. At Myrna's request, there will be no service.