Vesta Jean Bennett

When reflecting on the life of Vesta Bennett, it is easy to see that she savored every moment she shared with the ones she loved. She was so warm, genuine, and inviting, and with a true servants hearts she was forever looking for ways she could help others. A devoted wife and mother, Vesta loved nothing more than witnessing her family tree blossom to include the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren who made her so very proud. With faith as her constant companion, she exemplified what it means to be a woman of God. Life will never be the same without Vesta here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

It was great to be an American in the 1920s. Innovation fueled technology that brought us things like radios, motion pictures in both color and sound, and cars that were mass produced on assembly lines. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1928 when K. Ermal and Olive T. (Cotner) Day were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Vesta Jean on March 26th in Lagrange, Indiana. Raised on a farm in Lagrange, she had two younger sisters and two brothers. Vesta always fondly recalled her childhood, and she and her siblings could often be found playing their childhood games inside and outside the home. She also attended Camp Mac while growing up. Vesta learned the value of hard work as a child as she and her siblings had their fair share of farm chores. Among the things she did was caring for the chickens, cows, and pigs, and she also helped bale hay and straw. While growing up on the farm Vesta learned to garden, grow flowers, cook, and bake. She graduated from Washington Center High School in 1946, and she also received her Red Cross certification as a nurses aide. As a young woman she worked at the Blue Bell Jean Factory in Columbia City for three years.

Over the years Vesta worked several jobs. As a young wife she was a full-time homemaker who raised her young children and cared for her husband. As times changed, Vesta sought employment outside of the home. She spent time working in several factories in the area before securing a job at Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City where she remained until retiring.

Although there were so many things that meant the world to Vesta, there was nothing that she treasured more than her loved ones. In addition to her close relationships with her parents and siblings, she was completed by the love she had for her children, Phillip Lee and Sherry Kay, and the love of her life, Charles E. Bennett. She and Charles were married On October 6, 1962, and to their marriage he brought his six children, James Eugene, Cheryl Ann, Charleen, Dennis Daniel, Suzanna Marie, Lezeth Rene. And then she and Charles were blessed with Vicki Marie. It may be an understatement to say that Vesta and Charles were busy with raising their nine children in Thorncreek Township. Vesta was active in her childrens lives including as a PTA member, taking them to church, and keeping up with all of their 4-H clubs and projects. Always working hard at home, she loved riding on the tractor with Charles during planting and harvesting seasons.

As a wife and mother Vesta managed to make even the ordinary extraordinary. She loved all the holidays. Vesta was sure to share the meaning of Easter and all the traditions, loved watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, and in the summer she enjoyed making her potato salad for all of the reunions. Vacations were among Vestas favorite times with her trip out East to see Jim and AnnMarie being one of the ones she loved most. They went to visit Charles family in Arizona, and at times they also traveled with their family including an Alaskan cruise and a fun-filled trip to Washington, D.C.

In addition to working outside the home and caring for her family, Vesta was always busy. She was an active member of her church, St. Paul of Cross Catholic Church, and she loved everything about her church. Vesta regularly assisted in their food pantry, and together she and Charles were part of numerous church related councils and senior citizen activities later in life. Blessed with a green thumb, she loved gardening, flowers, and plants in addition to canning and baking. During her younger years Vesta bowled and was part of a euchre and card club. For years she was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society. An avid reader, she enjoyed Beverly Lewis books as well as watching various cooking shows, The Voice, and Dr. Oz among many other shows on television. Most days Vesta read the newspaper, especially on Sundays. As her family and friends can attest, Vesta was a hummer. It didnt matter if she was humming an actual song or something she made up. Christmas carols were her favorites. When she and Charles drove out West they both liked John Denvers music, so Charles would sing some of Rocky Mountain High, and of course Vesta would be humming along.

After suffering a stroke in 2009, Vesta needed more care, and for the past few years she and Charles have called Ashton Creek in Fort Wayne home.

Truly beautiful on the inside and out, no one met Vesta Bennett and left unchanged. She was kindhearted, generous, and loving with a devotion to her loved ones that was truly unmatched. Vesta was always one to work hard, but she took the time to enjoy life along the way as well. Life was not always easy for her, but she faced whatever came her with with both strength and courage that were truly inspiring. Deeply loved, Vesta will be deeply missed.

Vesta Jean Bennett, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday November 23, 2016 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Vistas family kindles her husband, Charles Bennett of Fort Wayne; children, Phillip (Laura) Trout of Fort Wayne, Sherry (Ronald) Dowell of Brazil, IN, Cheryl (Craig) Dawson of Harlan, Charleen (Dennis) Bechtold of Columbia City, Dennis (Joy) Bennett of Columbia City, Suzanna Johnson of Fort Wayne, Lezeth Arick of Columbia City, Victoria Bennett of Fort Wayne; daughter-in-law, AnnMarie Bennett of Norwich, CT; 23 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Wilma Bender of Columbia City and Donald Day of Copperas Cove, TX; sister-in-law, Sherrill Day of Sidney, IN; several nieces and nephews. Vesta was preceded in death by her parents, K. Ermal and Olive Day; son, James Bennett; grandsons, Jeremy Trout and Troy Bennett; brother, Wilbur Day; sister, Norma Warnick; and brothers-in-law, Charles Bender and Harold Warnick. Friends may call on Sunday, November 27, 2016, from 1-4:40 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2016, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line Street, Columbia City, with calling one hour prior to mass. Burial will follow in St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Cemetery (Greenhill), Columbia City. Memorial contributions in memory of Vesta may be made to Masses at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign the online guest register or to send a condolence.