Norma Jean (Bock) Bennett

Norma Jean (Bock) Bennett, 95, of Walkerton, Indiana passed peacefully in to Heaven on June 25, 2026.

She was born on February 2, 1931 in Elkhart, Indiana, the eldest of six children born to Merrill and Mary (Lehman) Bock. At a young age, Norma came to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and this faith shaped her life and personality and guided her through all of her days. As a young woman she enjoyed playing the piano and was involved in 4-H. She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1949, where she played the clarinet in the marching band. 

On August 28, 1949 Norma married the great love of her life, George D. Bennett, Jr., and together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family and service to others. They raised three children together, and Norma found her greatest joy in her family. She was gentle, kind, and loved each person around her unconditionally. Norma was a loving homemaker and devoted partner in her husband’s ministry, and worked for several years as a secretary for Miles Laboratories in Elkhart. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, enjoyed volunteering at the Treasure Chest in North Liberty, took a mission trip to the Philippines and visited the Holy Land. Norma enjoyed music, reading, camping, gardening and flowers, but above all she enjoyed quality time with her loved ones. Her family takes comfort in knowing she has heard the Lord say those sweet words “well done, good and faithful servant”.

Among those who remain here to cherish Norma’s love and memory are her children, Teresa Russell of North Liberty, George D. (Shelley) Bennett III of Albion and Diana (Tim) Davis of North Liberty; eight grandchildren: Brandi (Randy) Rodriguez, Cassie (Blake) Davis, Daniel (Cynthia) Bennett, Timmy (Brandi) Davis, Matthew (Chelsi) Bennett, Mallary (Henry) Ayala, Katelyn Russell and Jessica (Phil) Beaver; nine great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Ann Bennett of Mulberry, Florida; her sister-in-law Clarice Bock of Elkhart, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Norma has been joyfully reunited in Paradise with her husband, parents, siblings, her son-in-law Kevin Russell, her daughter-in-law Bonnie Bennett, several beloved nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Palmer Funeral Home- Lakeville Chapel at 601 N Michigan Street, Lakeville, Indiana 46536. There will be a visitation from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 2, with visitation for an hour prior to the service. The Rev. Bishop Frank J. Beard will officiate the service. Burial will follow the funeral service at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. 

Norma desired that any donations in her honor be used to spread the Gospel and care for those in need. If you would like to honor Norma’s life with a donation to a worthy cause, please consider giving to Lifeline Youth Ministries (2721 Prairie Street, Elkhart, IN 46517) or Gideons International (P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214).

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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