Funeral service for Edith Smithson Bennich age 89 of Hartselle will be Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church of Hartselle with Brother Ken Blackwood officiating with burial in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery with Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be on Thursday from 1:00pm until service time at the Church.
Mrs. Bennich, who was born March 7, 1937, in Morgan County to Frank Winston Smithson and Thelma Lorene Johnson Smithson, died on Saturday, April 25, 2026. at her son’s home in Hartselle.
She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Hartselle where she served as the Chairman of the Benevolence Committee for more than 50 years. She and her late husband Tom Bennich owned and operated B & G Ok Tire Store in Hartselle where she worked until her health would not allow.
Edith had a wonderful servant’s heart and loved caring for others, sending special birthday cards and hosting special events in her home. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide. She had a passion for and collected Nativity Scenes from all over the world.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tom, her sons; Dewayne and Darrell, and her brother; Harold Smithson.
Survivors Include:
Son: Dan Bennich (Christy)
Daughter: Donna Bennich Rushen (Jim)
Sister: Barbara Smithson
7 Grandchildren: Lauren Rushen, Jay Rushen (Heather), Brian Rushen,
Brandon Rushen (Olivia), Keaton Bennich, Emma Bennich,
and Owen Bennich
2 Great-Grandchildren: Natalie Rushen and Henry Bennich
Jay Rushen, Brandon Rushen, Owen Bennich, Sport Bennich, and Jeff Smithson will serve as pallbearers
The Family would like to thank the staff of Colombia Cottage in Hartselle for the special love and care of Edith for the past few years.
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorials to the Gideons International or to your favorite charity.
