Cori Lynn Bennett, 57, of McPherson, Kansas, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, surrounded by her family at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Cori was born on Sept. 17, 1966, in Seward, Nebraska.  She graduated from high school in Nelson, Nebraska, and continued her education at Central Community College in Hastings where she received her certificate in early childhood development. On March 26, 2002, Cori was united in marriage to Tony L. Bennett and took on the active role of a military wife.

She was the food director at McPherson Hospital and formerly was general manager for Applebee’s and Chipotle. Her most recent and favorite “job” was babysitting her grandchildren, giving them lots of love and care.

Cori was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend, but most importantly, a devoted grandmother. She spent her days with grandchildren doing arts and crafts, spoiling them, and making sure they were happy.  She spent her summers getting the pool in the backyard ready for endless swimming, preparing family barbecues and traveling to every one of her grandchildren’s sporting events. Cori made every child feel like one of her grandchildren. It did not matter if you were family. If you were in her house, you were one of her own.

The fall and winter months were spent gathering her children and grandchildren at her house for football games. Saturdays were for the Nebraska Huskers, Go Big Red, and she never missed a game cheering for the Chicago Bears and of course, the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Cori touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with, and took pride in knowing her house felt like a home.  She was loved by so many and will never be forgotten.

Survivors include: her husband, Tony Bennett of the home; seven children, Chris Dirks (Paige Miller) of Inman, Kansas, Jessica Dirks of McPherson, Kansas, James Nelson (Abbi) of McPherson, Kansas, Amanda Bennett of Salem, Oregon, Kaytlyn Johnson (Aaron Hart) of McPherson, Kansas, Brandon Johnson of McPherson, Kansas, and Megan Bennett of Salem, Oregon; her mother, Barbara J. (Schleufer) Stutzman of Superior, Nebraska; five siblings, Tim Stutzman of York, Nebraska, Stacy Jambe (Patrick) of Sanford, Florida, Laura Stutzman of Great Bend, Kansas, Justin Hartman (Cory) of Seward, Nebraska, and Vicky Wagner (Jeromi) of Mankato, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Carson, Aria, Owen, Ben, Carter, Archer, Addelyn, Aly, and baby Alora (due in May); several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Elbert Stutzman; and biological mother, Ruth A. (Hicks) Haines.

Her funeral was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Countryside Covenant Church. 

Memorial donations can be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, Kansas 67460.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.stockham family.com.