Tina Jette Bennett

Tina was born on Jan 11, 1939 in Randers, Denmark to Esther and Knut Mortensen. As a young girl, she became one of the very few females to be accepted as a silversmith’s apprentice. Later, wanting to see the world, she left Denmark and traveled to the far reaches of the globe with her sister Lea. Tina always took the path less traveled and her love of travel eventually brought her to immigrate to the United States and began work for Seaboard World Airlines. During that time, she flew with many troops to and from Vietnam and took part in the Angolan Airlift in Africa. She had many more exciting adventures too numerous to mention.  After many years of seeing the world, she met Major Lee F. Bennett, USMC by a pool in San Diego, California. They married and had one child, Christina. Tina was a devoted wife and mother who always put family first.  After Lee’s death, Tina remained with Christina in the home they loved in West Salem. She and Christina took many trips together to Eastern Oregon, Denmark, California and the Oregon Coast as well as many other places. Tina was known throughout the neighborhood and West Salem as an avid, long distance walker. For many years, Tina used her knowledge of silver and a wide range of antiques to volunteer for her good friend Gloria’s store Aurora Antiques in Aurora, Oregon.  Tina’s fiery spirit and will was with her until the end. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all those who knew her. She leaves behind her daughter Christina L. Bennett, son in law Richard Armstrong, sister Lea Bell, brother Rud Mortensen, nieces Pia Ford and Liza Wessberg and nephews Charles Bell II and Bo Mortensen as well as her many friends who loved and adored her.  Her family and friends take comfort in knowing she has now been reunited with her soulmate Lee. A public viewing will take place from 2:00-4:00 pm on Monday, February 1st, 2021 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Services at 605 Commercial Street SE, Salem, OR 97301.  A grave site service, also open to all, will be held at 11:00 AM,  Wednesday, February 3rd at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mount Scott Boulevard, Portland, OR 97086-6937