Myrtle "Jane" Bennett

Myrtle Jane Bennett, 92, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 24, 1932, in Oriole, Perry County, Indiana, Jane lived a life of devotion to family, faith, and community.

Jane married her beloved husband, Dr. Donald Dean Bennett, on July 19, 1952, in Charlestown, Indiana. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage until his passing in 2010. Their life together was one of love, partnership, and unwavering support.

While Donald pursued his degrees at Indiana University, Jane worked as a secretary at Rodgers Building Supplies in Bloomington, Indiana, showcasing her resilience and determination. Later, she pursued her own educational dreams, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and reading from the University of Southern Indiana. Jane had a diverse and accomplished career, serving as a schoolteacher, real estate agent, appraiser, and, most importantly, a full-time mother and grandmother.

Jane’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her three children: Kim Trana Bennett Harting (Larry Alan Harting), Lisa Ann Bennett, and Donald Scott Bennett (Jill Shelton Bennett). Her legacy extends through her seven cherished grandchildren: Jessica Skipworth Valentino (Matt Valentino), Dr. Jacob Bennett Skipworth (Dr. Lily Guerrero), Andrew Baker Skipworth, Dr. Tyler Bennett (Allie Downey Bennett), Abbie Bennett, Leyton Bennett, and Jaxen Bennett. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Millie Bennett, Hudson Skipworth, James Valentino, and Jordan Valentino.

Jane was a beloved sister to Marjorie Johnson of Noblesville, Indiana, and was preceded in death by her three sisters, Norma Jean Senn, Wanda Melvina Wright, and Birdie Joyce Senn, as well as her brother, Travis Eldon Baker. She also mourned the loss of her parents, Alice Minerva Sauerheber Baker and Melvin Earl Baker, and her favorite grandmother, Jessie Myrtle Knowland Baker.

A woman of faith, Jane was deeply devoted to her role as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith guided her life and brought her great joy. 

She also had a special love for sports, specifically the St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Pacers & Fever and of course IU Basketball, cheering passionately for her teams through every season.Jane’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, her many nieces and nephews, and her countless friends. She was a source of strength, wisdom, and love, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication to those she held dear.

A visitation will be held from 10am until time of service at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints on December 27, 2024. A Funeral Service of Jane’s remarkable life will be held at 11:30am on Friday, December 27, 2024, at The Chruch of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (10710 Shelborne Rd. Carmel, IN 46032). A graveside service will directly follow at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation for the Dr. Donald and Jane Bennett Scholarship Endowment, 8600 University Blvd. Evansville, IN 47712. Memorial gifts can also be made online at USI.edu/online giving, other-comments Jane Bennett For honoring Jane’s passion for education and community service.

Jane Bennett will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was a testament to hard work, devotion, and unwavering faith, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.