Eileen Bennett

Eileen Bennett, 97, of Lafayette, died at home surrounded by her family on Thursday July 23, 2026. Born in Rensselaer, IN on May 22, 1929 to the late John and Mildred Rayman.

Eileen graduated from Montmorenci High School in 1947. On September 6, 1947, she married the love of her life, Robert Bennett, at St. Charles Church in Otterbein, IN. They shared more than five decades of marriage until Robert’s passing on June 9, 2003.

Eileen was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Country Promenaders Square Dance Club, the Gold Wing Riders Motorcycle Club, and the Montmorenci Alumni Association. A dedicated farmer’s wife and homemaker, Eileen was never afraid to get her hands dirty. She could tackle just about any task, and those who knew her admired her for her hard work, loyalty, deep faith, and inspiring spirit. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and approached life with determination, kindness, and grace. Outside the home, Eileen shared her gift for hospitality as a cook for Bishop Higi, retiring in 2005 after 18 years of faithful service. Later, she continued doing what she loved by working at Panera Bread from 2007 to 2020, where her warm, welcoming nature and dedication to serving others left a lasting impression on coworkers and customers alike.

Eileen is survived by her daughter-in-law Charlee Bennett of Klamath Falls, OR; daughter, Carolyn Bennett of Lafayette; son, Roger Bennett of Lafayette; daughter, Laraine (Stephen) Schilling of Lafayette; son, Carl (Teresa) Bennett of Orange Park, FL; grandchildren, Michaél, Bradley, Brian, Heather, Jeremy, Michael, Zachary, Remington, Ethan, Robert, Nikki, Richard, Elbie Jr., Shawnna, Brittany, and Christopher; 29 great grandkids and 1 great-great grandkid.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; son Robert Bennett and daughter Anita Allmandinger; as well as siblings, Harriet Runyon, Francis Rayman, Ellen Ponto, Lloyd Rayman, Glenn Rayman, Bernice Churchward, and Harold Rayman.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st from 11:00 AM until a rosary service at 12:00 noon at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:30 PM officiated by Father Matthew Jakupco. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Franciscan Hospice- Donate here or St. Mary’s Cathedral. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to serve the Bennett family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com