Tammy Marie Bennett

“You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she lived.” A perfect quote to describe the life of our dear Mom, Nana, and wife.

Tammy Marie Bennett was born December 20, 1961, and departed this life on November 4th, 2022, after a long courageous cancer battle. She leaves behind her loving husband, Randy, of 42 years, daughter, Becky Severs, daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Will Heider, her dolls, as she called her three blonde granddaughters, Madalyn, Kenadee, and Cora, and soon to be fourth granddaughter, Tillie. Tammy also leaves behind her dad, Allen Rose, two brothers and their wives, and many more family and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Rose.

Tammy was an educator by trade. She loved her kids she had each year. She loved teaching Missouri History, introducing new books each year, and seeing her students grow. We know her impact in our lives as our Mom, but we’re so overwhelmed from the outpouring of stories and love her impact had on her former students.

As much as Tammy loved teaching, her real love was her time spent with family. She loved us fiercely and unconditionally. We never knew anything from her other than love. As much as she loved her daughters, nothing could compare to the love she had for her grand-daughters. She loved being a Nana. Madalyn and Kenadee have memories that will stay with them all through their days. Little Cora and Tillie will know and love their Nana as we keep her memory and spirit alive.

Randy and Tammy built a life together lasting 42 years. “George and Big Woman,” as they affectionately referred to each other, simply just loved and cared for another with the same intensity they had all those years ago. Their love was never a question. They shared many adventures, laughs, and struggles, but always together. As her time on Earth drew to an end, her concern was for Dad and ensuring he would be taken care of. Simply said, they loved one another. Mom loved listening to Queen, scratching lottery tickets, and defending her demon cat, Fat Ass.

We don’t know how we’re going to move forward without her, but we know she taught us to be strong and would expect it of us. This quote by Freddy Mercury is something that she would love. And she would say that she had lived a fabulous life. “The most important thing is to live a fabulous life. As long as it’s fabulous I don’t care how long it lasts.”