Being the only girl in a class of seven was no detriment of Mardell Bennett. In fact, she had her choice of boys and decided to marry her classmate Buss Fear. Upon graduation, she received an honor scholarship to the University of Wyoming but chose instead to begin her career of a ranch woman, mother and community leader. Mardell was born to Rod and Inez Bennett in Kemmerer and lived in a number of area towns before finally settling in Big Piney. It was here that Mardell along with her siblings, Rod and Jacque, attended school graduating in 1938.
During World War II, Mardell worked as a volunteer for the Red Cross making bandages and learning first aid. It was then she joined the Triangle Extension Club holding several offices and becoming a lifetime member. She became the State President and was Wyoming’s National Convention coordinator which led her to become a voting delegate of the National Association of Country Women of the World.
At home, Mardell helped Buss with the rodeo; serving as a secretary, gatekeeper as well as helping with the Chuckwagon Days Rodeo and Barbeque. When eldest son Ken entered school, Mardell began a journey of cookie baker, sandwich maker, fundraiser and chaperone for school activities that lasted for some twenty-five years. During her children’s high school years, Mardell was a chaperone for the band, pep club and FFA. Her experiences as a driver for Music Instructor John Gallemore, led her to become a driver for the “stretch bus”. After a harrowing experience she convinced a school board member, her husband Buss, that it was time to hire a real bus driver!
Mardell’s homemaking skills led her to become a 4-H leader for the community. Her volunteerism didn’t stop there as she was a Superintendent of the Sublette County Fair for over fifty years. Mardell was the first woman elected president of the Sublette County Farm Bureau, serving two terms. She served sixteen years as secretary for the Wyoming Cancer Society. Mardell is a lifelong member and past president of the Wyoming Cowbelles as well as a lifetime member of the Green River Cattleman Association. She was named their Ranch Woman of the Year in 1983.
Still an active bridge player in the Friday Bridge Club, Mardell recently celebrated her 95th birthday with friends playing bridge here at the Marbleton Senior Center.
She joins her daughter, Deanne, and soon to be inducted husband, Buss, in the Big Piney Hall of Fame as Distinguished Alumni of Big Piney High School.