TEWKSBURY -- Ralph Rutherford Bennett, age 92, a longtime North Tewksbury resident, passed away at home, with his family at his side, following a hard fought battle with kidney disease, on Thursday, December 17, 2015.

Ralph was the much loved husband of Mary (Doole) (Amiot) Bennett and the late Dorothy L. (Trull) Bennett, who passed away on July 10, 1982.

Born in Lowell on March 16, 1923, he was the son of the late William H. Bennett, Sr. and the late Ethel P. (Barris) Bennett.

Ralph attended the former Ella Flemings School and graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1939. He later attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the DeVry Institute in Chicago.

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in numerous engagements during World War II including the Marianas Operation. Prior to his honorable discharge from active duty on November 23, 1945, he was awarded several decorations for his military service, and had achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Following his military service, Ralph returned to the area and worked on the Trull Family farm in Lowell. In later years, he worked as a hay dealer, traveling as far away as Canada to collect premium grade hay for delivery to numerous Massachusetts and New Hampshire horse farms and retailers.

Prior to his retirement, Ralph worked as an elevator technician for the City Elevator Company.

In addition, Ralph worked for over 25 years as a funeral assistant at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home in Tewksbury.

Ralph was a lifelong member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury. In addition, he was a member of the Wamesit Masonic Lodge AF & AM and the Temple Aleppo Shrine.

He enjoyed the fellowship of his church family, volunteering at the Shriner's Hospital in Boston, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Tewksbury Cemetery Corporation, camping trips with the 20-Uppers Group, attending Lodge meetings, serving as the first treasurer with Boy Scout Troop 41 of Tewksbury, working in his garden, and spending time with his family at Bennett Hill on Plum Island.

Ralph will fondly be remembered for his caring, generous and selfless manner, his firm handshake, and his love for his family, community, church, and country.

In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by two children, John P. Bennett and his wife, Elaine of Tewksbury, and Sarah A. Depoian and her husband, Steven of Chelmsford; two step daughters, Diane Burkland and her husband, Glenn of West Chester, PA, and Margaret "Peg" Jasinski and her husband, Peter of Queensbury, NY; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Shirley B. Bennett of Greenfield, and Susan W. Bennett of Newburyport; also many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Ralph was the father of the late Susan J. Bennett and brother of the late William H. Bennett, Jr., George H. Bennett, and Beverly A. Bennett.

BENNETT -- Ralph R. Calling hours are Monday, Dec. 21, from 4-8 p.m. (Masonic Service 7 p.m.) at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the First Baptist Church, 1500 Andover St., Rte. 133, Tewksbury for his Funeral Services. Interment to follow at Tewksbury Cemetery.

Published in Lowell Sun from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2015