Ethel Lorraine Bennett Deel passed away Monday, December 11th, 2017 at Mulberry Health and Retirement Community. Ethel was born on December 29, 1919 in Paoli, IN to William Bennett and Eva Garrison Bennett. She attended and graduated from school in French Lick, IN. On November 27th, 1943, Ethel married Floyd E. Deel. They moved from French Lick to the Lafayette area in the early 1950’s, where Floyd became a union carpenter and Ethel cared for their home. Floyd preceded her in death on November 28th, 2000. In addition to homemaking, Ethel loved to plant and garden vegetables, but her true love was raising flowers of all kinds. She was an accomplished painter and loved photography. If you talked with Ethel regarding an old friend, inevitably within days, she would find and share photos of the friend with you. As a child, Ethel played the drums in her family’s band which entertained at parties throughout the French Lick area. She faithfully read the paper daily, sharing newsworthy and important points with her many friends.

     Ethel was a member of the East Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses here in Lafayette, with many extended friends throughout the country, the state of Indiana and the Lafayette area who shared her faith. In addition to caring for her home and husband Floyd, for the past 44 years, Ethel volunteered her time, as her health permitted, engaging in full time door to door ministry work. As a result of her long time dedication to her ministry, Ethel also made many friends throughout the Lafayette community who warmly welcomed her into their home. Although she had no children of her own, Ethel had a large spiritual family who will miss her very much.

     The Bible book, Acts of the Apostles 20:24 typified Ethel’s life “Nevertheless, I do not consider my own life of any importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God”

     A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, December 16th, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2224 East State Street Lafayette, IN 47905. Robert Connor officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to “East Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses” You may sign the guest book and share memories at www.soller-baker.com