Juanita Irene Bennett

Juanita Irene Bennett (1930 – 2011)

Juanita Irene Bennett, 80, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Carmel Health and Living Community, Carmel, IN, where she resided since May of 2009. She had lived in Indianapolis, IN, since November of 2002.

Juanita was born to Doyt P. and Florence M. (Arnett) Boyer on December 26, 1930, in Hartford City, IN, but spent her childhood in Union City, OH. Upon graduating from the East Side School in May of 1948, Juanita married Gerald L. Bennett of Union City, IN. She was employed for two years at Westinghouse, and later as a nurse’s aide at the Union City Memorial Hospital from 1964 through 1981. She was a member of the South Salem Church of Christ, and later of Bethel Christian Church, where her husband was pastor from 1974–1997. Juanita and Gerald were married for nearly 51 years and were the parents of two sons, Michael L. (wife Pamela S.) of Novi, MI, and Bruce A. (wife Susan L.) of Granger, Ind., as well as two daughters, Barbara A. Bennett and Marsha L. Thompson (husband Lann), both of Indianapolis, IN.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her four children, plus nine grandchildren and nine great-children: twins Rebecca Katovsich (husband Andrew) of Cassopolis, MI, and Sara Brodzinski (husband David; son Tyler; daughter Fiona) of Granger, IN; Regan Summers (husband Andrew; sons Peter and Henry) of Fishers, IN; Amanda Rosenberry (husband Chris; daughters Juliana and Eleanor; son Rocket) of Hilton Head Island, SC; Jeffrey Bennett (wife Kelly; daughter Ivy) of Clawson, MI; Joshua Bennett (wife Vicki) of Mishawaka, IN; Andrew Burd (wife Towne) of Chicago, IL; Kathryn Novy of Charlotte, NC; and Chelsea Greer (husband Todd; daughter Cecelia) of Mechanicsville, VA. 

Juanita was never happier than when her small home in Union City was bursting at the seams with her children and grandchildren. She loved hosting family gatherings in any season, and there was always an abundance of love, great food, and spirited conversation. She loved to crochet, and made baby afghans in honor of the births of each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She worked hard the last few years to finish afghans to be set aside for future great-grandchildren; a goal which she accomplished.        

Juanita’s family and friends will remember her as a consummate caregiver and an advocate for others who could not advocate for themselves. As a nurse’s aide, she was known for her hard work, her eagerness to learn new skills, and her high standards of patient care. She tended her father during his five-year battle with cancer. She visited her husband in a nursing home daily for nearly two years, not only overseeing his care, but assisting other residents and being named Volunteer of the Month multiple times. As a nursing home resident herself in recent years, Juanita sought out and befriended other residents, often acting as a liaison between them and the staff, making sure they were assisted at mealtimes or when other attention was needed. The staff at Carmel Health and Living Community spoke warmly of Juanita; many said she had been like a parent or grandparent to them, and others looked to her for her wisdom and sense of humor. She enlisted the help of her daughters to provide prizes for the weekly Bingo gatherings and gave her hand-crocheted baby afghans and other gifts to staff for births and marriages. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2011 at Reichard Funeral Home Inc., 400 West Deerfield Road, Union City, IN, 47390. Calling hours will be from noon until 2:00 p.m. the same day. The memorial service will be conducted by Dean Wasson and Don Miller, friends of the family. A brief graveside service will follow at the Lisbon Cemetery, E 550 North and N 800 East, Union City, IN. Friends and family members may visit www.reichardfh.com to express their condolences.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to: P.A.W.S. Animal Rescue and Shelter, 239 North Columbia Street, Union City, IN, 47390.  Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.