Betty J. Benjamin

Betty Jean Benjamin, 85, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Franciscan Health East, Lafayette, IN.

Betty was born on October 5, 1939, in Boswell, OK, to the late Harvey Eugene and Wilma Janice (Hunt) Bell. Betty lived a remarkable life full of resilience, generosity, and accomplishment brought about by her very strong faith in God. She was a lifelong member at Christ United Methodist Church where she attended weekly services and bible studies over the years.

Betty was a trailblazer in her career, starting as a secretary and eventually climbing to the position of Executive Vice President. She worked for Pizza King, Lafayette for over 50 years. Betty was a strong and determined single mother, who broke barriers in her career by setting a powerful example for women in leadership. Known for her strength, kindness, and giving spirit, she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Betty’s faith, family, and friends were at the heart of her life. She loved traveling the world with friends, whether for leisure or to cheer on her beloved Purdue Boilermakers and Indianapolis Colts at championship games. She also found extreme joy in fashion, attending New York Fashion Week to explore the latest styles and trends, weekly dinner night gatherings with close friends and Sunday dinners with Mike and Rosemary and their two beloved Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Misha and Tango whom she adored.

Betty’s interests centered around being a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi. She cherished the bonds of friendship and sisterhood.
Betty also was an avid reader, devouring dozens of books each year and thoughtfully sharing them with others. She cherished fine dining and sunny days by the pool with family making “pool days” a favorite treasured tradition.

Betty had a true heart, deep love and a special relationship with her two grandchildren Jessica and Bret and 10 great-grandchildren. She always knew how to make holidays extra special by showering them with presents. Most importantly, the little ones will miss all the fun candy bags she gave them for Halloween, Valentines Day and Easter.

She is survived by her loving son, Michael (Rosemary) Benjamin of Lafayette, IN; grandchildren, Jessica (Ed) Bogan of Lafayette, IN; Bret Benjamin of Singapore; and her 10 great-grandchildren: Elle and Olivia Bogan; Paxton, Adalyn, Roman, Logan, and Vivienne Redding; Koen and Faye Kaiser; and Isabella Scott.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 3:00 pm-5:00pm. We will conclude her celebration of life with a Memorial Service at 5:00 pm in the chapel at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN.

In Betty’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 3610 South 18th Street, Lafayette, IN, 47909 or a charity of your choice. Live stream of the memorial service will also be available.