GARFIELD — Vivian Marlene Bennett Nelson, aka GramB, 93, passed away Feb. 10, 2025 at Country Living Home Plus, Larned, surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 11, 1931 in Larned, the daughter of William Herold and Madeline Beeth Lange.  

A lifetime area resident, she was a school secretary at Garfield and Hillside Elementary for USD 495. She was a member of the Garfield United Methodist Church where she was the organist and pianist for over 50 years. She was a member of the Over 50 Club, Garfield Alumni Association, Santa Fe Trail Association, Wet/Dry Route Chapter, and the American Legion Auxiliary. 

On Aug. 8, 1948 she married Earl Ray Bennett at Garfield; he preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 1988. She then married Ronald Aaron Nelson at Garfield on Nov. 27, 1999; he preceded her in death on Nov. 18, 2005.

Survivors include children, Joan (Bill) Cline, Richard (Kim) Bennett, both of Larned, Marlene (Richard) Baltazor, Bettendorf, Iowa, Pam (David) Mitzner, Great Bend; brother, Bill (Lynn) Lange, Larned; nine grandchildren, Chad Baltazor, Matthew Bennett, Jenni (Jason) Mead, Jaeson (Lindsey) Cline, Brent Bennett, Cassia (Jason) Barber, Clint Baltazor, Levi (Tressie) Mitzner, Jacob (Melissa) Cline; 23 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and two great-great grandchildren on the way.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with Reverend Angela DeFisher presiding. Service will be viewable via Facebook Live at www.beckwithmortuary.com. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned with family present from 6-8 p.m. Burial in Garfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Garfield United Methodist Church, Garfield Fire Department, or Garfield American Legion Tony Asher Post 300 in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary 

P.O. Box 477 

Larned, Kansas 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 13, 2025