Shirley Bennett

Shirley Bennett, a cherished matriarch, anchor of love, and God's faithful servant, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on May 18, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on January 25, 1931, in Crawfordsville, IN, she was a woman of unwavering faith and generosity whose laughter and spirit resonated with everyone she met. Shirley's final days were spent surrounded by the love and care of her family in the comfort of her daughter's home in Oblong, IL.

Raised in Fowler, IN, Shirley's love for music was apparent from her youth. She expressed this passion through playing the accordion and the drums, but it was the piano that truly captured her heart. A graduate of Fowler High School, she continued to study music at Lincoln Bible Institute. It was there that she and her roommate filled their college days not only by playing for Vacation Bible Schools and revivals but also by playing pranks that still bring laughter to those who remember. She recounted tales such as painting her husband Kenneth's nails bright red while he was sleeping, stories that she would tell with a twinkle in her eye but could seldom finish because of her infectious laughter.

Shirley married Kenneth Eugene Bennett on June 7, 1953, and together, they embarked on a sacred mission, spreading the Gospel and touching lives across numerous communities in Illinois and Missouri. Shirley's divine music accompanied Kenneth's touching sermons, creating a harmonious testament to their dedication to ministry and to each other through their 59 years of marriage. With a similar enthusiasm, she nurtured a love for music as a piano teacher, inviting students into her home from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every weekday for years.

Beyond her music ministry, Shirley's career journey saw her embrace various roles, from a secretary skilled at shorthand to a retail saleswoman and a successful Mary Kay consultant. Her professional life was a reflection of her adaptability and excellence. At home, Shirley emanated a warm elegance and was the epitome of a gracious hostess. She was just as renowned for her delicious array of breads as she was for her impeccable sense of humor. For example, her family will treasure fun-filled memories like Shirley doing the "Ice Ice Baby" dance every time she won a card game! Though she didn't play cards for years, the twilight of her life found her playing "Sneaky Pete" with her dear friend, Mary Murray. She also found joy in games like Sequence and Scrabble and was known to have her television turned to Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. But more often than not, her eyes were set not on her TV but on her Lord and His Holy Word.

Shirley was a woman of God, a steadfast prayer warrior, and a fountain of Biblical wisdom. She led Bible studies with conviction, and when she could no longer lead, she supported and inspired her friend and prayer partner, Ruth Ann Fleenor, to continue this work. She, as well as anyone else who knew Shirley, could attest to the fact that this precious soul knew her Bible, lived her Bible, and shared her Bible, and her Kingdom influence will continue to resonate through the many lives she touched. Indeed, she lived as she believed, with a generous heart open to all and a spirit secured in Christ's love. Her life's beautiful melody will play on in the hearts of those she loved and will reverberate in the hallowed halls of Heaven forevermore.

Her legacy of love and devotion carries forward in the hearts of her son & daughter-in-law, Paul & Chris Bennett; her daughter & son-in-law, Kris & Dave McCarter; her grandchildren, Jordan & Meghan Bennett, Jade & Eric Mueller, Nathan & Liz McCarter, and Natasha & Cole Harmon; and her great-grandchildren, Kaiden Bennett, Kenzie Bennett, Pierce Mueller, Isla Mueller, Lily Mueller, Ezra Harmon, Sela Harmon, Elijah McCarter, and Madison McCarter. Her memory will also be treasured by several nieces and nephews and many girls from the Oblong Children's Christian Home, whom she loved as her own grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in her journey home by her beloved husband, Kenneth Eugene Bennett; her parents, W.C. & Letha Milam; and her brother and sister-in-law, Austin & Maxine Milam.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22nd, at the Hebron Road Church of Christ. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the church with Pastor Bill Greenwood officiating. For those unable to attend, a recording of this service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorials may be made to the "La Harpe Christian Church" to help repair its roof from a recent storm. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of local arrangements.

Another time of visitation will be held from 12:00-12:45 p.m. on Friday, May 24th, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in La Harpe, IL, with a graveside service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. at the La Harpe Cemetery.