Patricia "Patty" Jo Bennett—a woman of legendary strength, infectious laughter, and a heart as big as her personality—passed away on March 10, 2026, at Trinity Health Hospital. Surrounded by her loving family, she departed just one day shy of her 74th birthday.

Born on March 11, 1952, at Beyer Memorial Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Patty was the daughter of the late Richard and Catherine (Dobbins) Dean. She lived in West Virginia until moving back to Michigan at age 13, carrying an accent she would keep for a lifetime. She graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1970. On September 15, 1973, she married her soulmate, Gary Bennett. Together, they shared over five decades of love, loyalty, and laughter.

Patty dedicated 23 years of service to the Michigan State Hospital before her medical retirement in 1993. While she worked hard, her true calling was her family. She was stronger than anyone will ever know, facing multiple health issues for many years with a constant smile and a warmth that welcomed everyone she met.

To know Patty was to love her; she was undoubtedly everyone's favorite. She was a gifted scrapbooker, a dedicated shopper, and loved spending time "Up North" with family. A skilled hunter who never missed, she was famous for once bringing home a massive 8-point buck. In the kitchen, she was the master of comfort, known for her biscuits and gravy, chicken salad, and sweet tea. Her mornings always began the same way: sharing Lorna Doone cookies with her beloved dog and constant companion, Chrissy.

Patty's humor was perhaps her greatest gift. For years, her grandchildren engaged in a high-stakes, hilarious rivalry over who held the title of "Number One Favorite." Patty leaned into the joke with her signature wit, never officially picking a winner—though her youngest grandson eventually ended the debate by having "Grandma's Favorite" tattooed on his arm in Patty's own handwriting.

Patty is survived by her devoted husband, Gary; her son, Jason (Crystal) Bennett of Ypsilanti; her cherished grandchildren, Jayden, Hunter, and Drew Bennett, Jimmy McCall, and Brendan and Shane Bereznay; multiple great-grandchildren; and her dog, Chrissy. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved daughter, Angela "Angie" Bennett; her brother, Ricky; and her sister, Pam.

Patty's warmth and infectious laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a pillar of strength who made the world a little brighter—and a lot funnier.

A funeral service will be held 12 pm Monday, March 16, 2026 at Stark Funeral Professionals. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 4-8 pm Sunday, March 15, 2026 and 11 am until time of service Monday. Patricia will be laid to rest in Highland Cemetery, Ypsilanti.