Melba Jean Benedict

Melba Jean Benedict, 89, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 12:33 pm at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born in Goshen on Feb. 28, 1930 to the late Geroge and Nellie (Weldy) Loucks and is also preceded in death by her former spouses Paul Bechtel and Leon “Barney” Benedict; son Ronnie Lee Bechtel, sisters Arlene Zentz and Janette Lacy, grandson Zachary Shook and granddaughter Jeryl LeAnn Brooks.

Surviving are children Linda (Robert) Brooks, Dennis (Amanda) Bechtel, Sue-Nell (the late Karol) Lowe, Janine (Robert) Gilley, Jeff (Lydia) Benedict, Andy Benedict and Rose-Ann Benedict; 23 grandchildren; 63 great grandchildren, 28 great-great grandchildren, and one on the way!

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart will host a celebration of Melba’s life on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 2:00 pm, with a gathering of friends and family beginning at 1 pm. Chaplain David Severance of Hubbard Hill Estates will officiate and burial will take place at Yellow Creek Cemetery in Goshen at a later date.

Melba spent the majority of her life in the healthcare field, having worked as a CNA at Hubbard Hill for over 30 years. She then went on to provide home healthcare on her own. Giving was a huge part of Melba’s life, and even in her passing she provided the ultimate gift of life as a donor. Lovingly known as “mom” and “grandma” by far more than just her immediate family, Melba enjoyed crocheting and sewing, doll collecting, dancing and working out in her flower garden, as well as meeting once a month on a Thursday to lunch with her Goshen High School classmates. 

On-line condolences can reach the family at the funeral home’s website.

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