Ardath Partain Bennett

Ardath Partain Bennett, 85, of Gainesville, GA passed away very peacefully early Saturday morning Oct. 14, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Ardath was born in Dallas, GA to the late Elbert V. Partain, and Floy T. Gamel Partain.  After her mother passed away when she was 3 years old, she was raised by her devout Christian grandmother, Annie Partain, and her stepmother, Reba Partain. Together, they instilled in her very strong morals and educational values.

Ardath was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church where she served as Treasurer and worked diligently on several committees including the Hopewell Cemetery. She retired from Hall County Recreation & Parks Department and volunteered as Treasurer of Hall County Special Olympics. In retirement, she continued to run the family business Bennett & Sons, Inc.

Ardath married the late Rev. Robert (Pete) Bennett in 1956.  They had five children that were involved in church, sports, and many activities.  Ardath was their biggest supporter and welcomed all their friends and neighborhood children into her home.  She gained the greatest title of “Nana” with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  She truly adored “her babies” - nothing could break the strong bond she had with each of them, and they knew it!

Ardath also enjoyed cooking, flowers, working in her yard, and had a special connection with her birds that she watched daily.  Her children were honored to take her home in her last days to be comforted and embraced by all of the things she loved the most.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Cecil Partain and her longtime companion, Gip Walker.

Ardath is survived by her children:  son, Mark Bennett of Winterville, GA; son, Steve Bennett of Dawsonville, GA; daughter, Rhonda (Larry) Evans of Dawsonville, GA; daughter, Elaine (George) Gilvin of Gainesville, GA; and son, David (Carol) Bennett of Gainesville, GA.  Grandchildren: Whitney (Cliff) Strickland; Danyelle (Greg) Moore; Hannah (Kyle) Gilvin; Mason Bennett; Ben (Savannah) Gilvin; Lauren Bennett; and Payton Goodwin.  Great Grandchildren:  Bennett, Reed, Travis, Ryann Kate, Kai, and Baylor.  Brother: Charles (Margia) Partain; Sister-in-law Ovilene Partain, and several nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be accepted but those desiring may make memorial contributions to: Hopewell United Methodist Church Perpetual Cemetery, P.O.Box 2714, Gainesville, GA  30503.

Funeral services will be held Friday October 20, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Hopewell United Methodist Church. Lois Tatum and Rev. Chris Strickland will officiate. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery with Rev. Greg Moore officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.