09/15/2025
Dr. Katherine Rector Bennett, age 40, of Macclenny, Florida, passed away on September 13, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 11, 1984, in Morgantown, West Virginia, to Nancy Cynthia Ruhe and Stephen Crail Rector. Katherine’s life was a testament to love, strength, and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Katherine attended Morgantown High School and graduated in 2003. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Barnard College in New York City. Katherine met her beloved husband, Foster Bennett, in 2008 in New York City while she was completing a Certificate of Premedical Science from Columbia University, and Foster was working as an IT consultant at IBM. Their love story grew from a beautiful connection between two souls at different stages in life, and they were united in marriage a few years later. After Katherine completed her medical residency at Marshall University, they both moved to Macclenny, Florida where she proudly served as a Family Practice Physician with The Dopson Family Medical Center for the past 6 years. Katherine and Foster shared a love that was both steadfast and profound, built on mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering faith.
Katherine was a woman of exceptional intellect, warmth, beauty, and wit. She had a caring spirit, loved sacrificially, and was deeply committed to her relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ, which she nurtured daily. Katherine was not only a loving wife but also a remarkable friend to many, always putting others before herself. She had the rare ability to lift up everyone around her with kindness, humor, and compassion.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Katherine exhibited extraordinary strength, facing her diagnosis with grace and courage. She fought admirably, always thinking of others before herself, even in the most difficult times. She was supported by numerous close friends, that lovingly sacrificed to support her during this battle. Her resilience and selflessness are a testament to her character and the deep love she carried for those around her.
Katherine is survived by her loving husband, Foster Bruce Bennett of Macclenny, Florida; her brother, James Patterson Rector of Morgantown, West Virginia; and numerous friends who will remember her with love and admiration. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nancy Cynthia Ruhe and Stephen Crail Rector, and her son, Rhett Arlington Bennett.
A memorial service celebrating Katherine’s life will be held on Saturday September 20th, 2025, at Glen Baptist Church in Glen St. Mary, Florida. Guests will be welcome at noon to view a reflective presentation of Katherine’s life and the service will start at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via check (with driver’s license and date of birth included), money order, or cashier's check to:
Baker County Animal Control
55 North 3rd Street
Macclenny, FL 32063
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.