Shirley Rosalee Bennett

Shirley Rosalee Williams Dailey Bennett, 92, died at Union Hospital on Thursday, March 22, 2012. She was born August 31, 1919 in Portland, Indiana. Her parents were Morris Ward Williams and Gladys Jones Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant brothers; her sister, Ruby Juanita Williams Shinaberry Zeller; her brother, Wendall Williams; her first husband, Louise E. Dailey, Jr.; and one niece, Marlene Shinaberry. She is survived by her husband of almost fifty years, Bob L. Bennett; her daughter, Sheron J. Dailey; her son-in-law, Thomas B. Tucker; her sisters, Sondra Colleen White, Wanda Muck, Judy Gibney, and Marceil Kim, one niece, Marcia Shinaberry Jones Roberts; her great nephew, Robert Dale Jones of Plano, Texas; two granddaughters, Tobi Tucker and Sarah Palermo; and her dearest friend, Anita Williams.

Shirley began work as a typist and file clerk. However, her extraordinary abilities were quickly recognized by the resident manager of the Dallas (Texas) branch of the Insurance Company of North America who promoted her to personal-confidential secretary. Her excellence was recognized by numerous accolades including outstanding employee of the year.

In 1996 Shirley and Bob moved to Terre Haute to be near their daughter and son-in-law. Their home in Terre Vista was perfect for them as well as the four puppies they brought with them from Texas: Tasha, Paulie, Baby, and Tia.

Shirley would want her family to thank publicly Roberta Lee Baker, Mary Crocker, Sue Davis, Beth Gentry, Don Mediate, Debbie Price and Carol Turner for their enduring friendship and thoughtfulness as well as her nurses, doctors and other caregivers at Union Hospital for their many acts of kindness and compassion during her final days on this earth.

A service remembering her devotion to Jesus and celebrating her amazing life will be held in Terre Haute on Thursday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home (7500 North Clinton Road) in the Chapel of Memories. An online tribute is available to be viewed at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net and expressions of sympathy may also be left on Shirley’s memorial page.

Contributions in her name may be made to the Terre Humane Society, 1811 South Fruitridge Ave., Terre Haute, IN 47803.