INDIANAPOLIS – Connie Jo Ellis Bennett, 79, joined her departed loved ones Nov. 11, 2015. She was born Feb. 24, 1936, to Paul and Josephine Linn Ellis. She was married to Merritt Bill Bennett, Plymouth, for 38 years. She graduated Warsaw High School in 1953. She was a full-time homemaker to her boys, and after they were grown she spent time making drapes and doing clerical work in Indianapolis. She was a remarkable listener and conversationalist, with an impish sense of humor, which lasted all the way to her last day. She had a wonderful way of putting people at ease, and was a natural counselor. To her many friends, know this: She loved you. You brightened her days, and ministered in her need. You gave her a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement. You helped her persevere through debilitating back pain and the cancer that would finally claim her. For all these things, you will always have a prominent place in her family’s heart. At Matthew’s wedding a few weeks ago, she turned to her son and said, “The purpose of this life is love.” He will never forget those words. Her last weeks, days and hours proved the tenacity of life. Alas, death is more tenacious than our immense will to live. But nothing in this universe is more tenacious than God’s love. Jesus is risen, and, through Him, so is Connie. Alleluia! Surviving are a son, J Alan (and spouse Rebecca) Beggs; three beloved grandsons, Nathan, Nick and Nolan, all of Ruston, La.; her brother and sister-in-law, Lanny and Carol Ellis, Warsaw; a niece, Stacey Ellis (and her husband Joe) Wong, Brownsburg; and her two adored nephews, Matthew and Andrew; her former sister-in-law, Sandy (Bennett) Southerland; and her two nieces, Cinda and Susan Baer, all of Texas. She was preceded in death by a son, Mark, who died in 1995, along with her parents, grandparents and stepfather, Carl Wendel. Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 6118 Crawfordsville Road, Indianapolis. Calling is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the church. Flanner and Buchanan-Washington Park North is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials to Wheeler Mission.
