BOMBER MEMORIAL

DELIA "IRIS" BENNETT LECHNER ~ Class of 1957
February 21, 1939 - March 9, 2014



Iris passed away Sunday, March 9, 2014. She was born on a ranch in Golden, CO in February, 1939, to parents Raymond and Sophia Bennett. Iris was the youngest of four children. The family relocated to Tri-Cities when Iris was an adolescent.

Iris attended Carmichael Junior High School and Richland's Columbia High school. She was a fan of Richland athletics from then on.

Iris was an animal lover her entire life. Louie and Iris loved breeding and raising Appaloosas and Quarter Horses for nearly three decades. They loved their German Shepherds and never had less than three barn cats. Iris loved each of their animals dearly.

Additionally, Iris valued philanthropic work through the American Legion. She worked tirelessly to support the efforts and mission of the American Legion. She made great efforts to ensure programs that helped homeless veterans were successful. She was a proud American woman who greatly respected our country and our military services.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Sophia Bennett, and her brother Don Stewart.

Iris is survived by her husband Louie Lechner; sister Rose Stewart Latta ('49); brother Bill Stewart; children Beckie Sargent, Kelly Juarez, Donnie Peterson, Valerie Hubbard, Steve Peterson, and Laura Prisc; grandchildren Heather, Rusty, Rowdy, Jessica, Tyler, Brandon, Breanna, Bennett, Catherine, Michael, Allison, and Martin; great-grandchildren Brooke, Ryan, Tori, Ben, and Anna.

Iris was loved by many, and the family invites you to her Memorial Service on Sunday, March 16th at 1pm at American Legion Post 115, located at 905 Dale Ave. in Benton City. The family also welcomes you to the Rosary service on Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30pm at St Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, 1000 Horne Rd., Benton City.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project..

Published in the Tri-City Herald on March 13, 2014.

Guest Book online until 4/12/14