Sue Adele Bennett passed away on June 2, 2024, at the age of 91. The oldest of three children, she was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Clarence and Helen (Umphress) Martin on June 22, 1932. When Clarence, an engineer and colonel in the Army, was deployed to the front lines in World War II, his family moved to Neenah, WI, to be near his family, in case he was killed in the war. As a teenager and college student, Sue was very active in the Methodist church and in 1954, as a senior at the State Teacher’s College, in Oshkosh, she was elected president of the Wesley Foundation and delegate of the Methodist Student Movement of Wisconsin. Part of the responsibility and honor of that position was the opportunity to address the members of the United Nations, emphasizing its important role in maintaining world peace.
Following graduation with a BA in primary education, Sue married Mort Lewis and they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was in Cheyenne that she began her teaching career, which spanned more than 30 yrs. She taught mostly in the primary grades, but also taught in the HeadStart program and 5-6 yrs. in junior high, teaching arts and crafts. Sue highly valued education and was a life-long learner herself. In her spare time, she took a variety of classes, including drafting and wood-working, in which she built her own sewing cabinet (using no nails!).
Sue was very creative and artistic. She made quilts for many family members and friends; cross-stitched Christmas stockings for loved ones; made Teddy Bears for children that might have to ride in the ambulance; and donated many hand-made articles to Riley Children’s Hospital. In addition to being a naturally gifted artist, Sue loved the outdoors and was very active. As a result of growing up on a large lake in WI, she became an excellent swimmer and ice-skater. She also enjoyed hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. She loved the West, especially Wyoming, and came to typify its citizens: she was very independent; possessed a deep love and respect for the land; had a strong work ethic and a strength that enable’s once to face the harshest storms of life; and, she delighted in adventure.
About 30 yrs. ago, Sue moved to Roann to be closer to her daughter and was immediately embraced by the community. She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Roann, the Happy Homemaker’s Club, and was on the board of the Roann Public library. Anyone who knew Sue, knew they just had to ask and she would do any job willingly, efficiently, and competently– from helping make apple dumplings to caring for the church’s flowers.
The loving memory of Sue Bennett will be forever remembered by: her daughter, Dr. Peggy Lewis and very close family friend, Scott McAlpine (both of North Manchester); son, Jay (Therese),Golden, CO and their children, Allison (Austin, TX) and Conner (Colorado Springs, CO); step-son, Shawn (Crystal) Bennett (Phoenix, AR) and their children and grandchildren; brother, Lee (Elaine) Martin ,Appleton, WI; sister-in-law, Sumie Martin (Atlanta, GA); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She is also survived by her cat, Jeffie, a constant companion and source of enjoyment for 11 yrs. Sue was precede in death by her parents, Clarence and Helen Martin, and her brother, Dale.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with calling beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Roann United Methodist Church, 225 East Adams Street, Roann, IN. At that time, there will be a time of remembrance, reflection, singing, and sharing of stories that will honor Sue’s life and facilitate mourning/healing for the community of people that loved her.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Sue Bennett, contributions may be made to Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, IN or The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.
In the future, a fund will be established in Sue’s name that will help school children in Wabash and Grant Counties to meet their physical needs and to address factors that may hinder their success as students/productive members of their communities.
The family would like to thank the staff of Timbercrest Senior Living Center (Healthcare Unit), Heart to Heart Hospice, and Dr. Michaela Lasso for helping Mom to be comfortable and loved during her last several weeks of life.
The family of Sue Bennett has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com
