Theda was born in Marion, Indiana on February 6, 1923 to the late Paul E. and Myrtle (Ellis) Bowman. She passed away on October 11, 2016 in Caris Healthcare, Gallatin Tennessee.
Theda resided in Marion all of her life and spent the last several months in Tennessee with her daughter, Melanie. On June 7, 1943 she married Ray A. Benjamin, Jr. Mr. Benjamin preceded her in death on June 15, 2014. Theda was a graduate of Marion High School and later attended Marion Business College. She was a homemaker, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. In her free time she worked as a volunteer at Marion General Hospital, served on the Marion General Hospital board and served as president for the hospital auxiliary. Theda was an active member of First United Methodist Church where she participated in Debbie Vance Circle and bible studies.
Theda is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Chuck) Mengerink, Hendersonville Tennessee; grandchildren, Pastor Michelle (David) White, Christopher R. (Molly) Mengerink, Nichole Capps, Leigha (Brent) Klutz and Aaron Benjamin; eight great-grandchildren.
She is also preceded in death by her son, Michael A. Benjamin and sister, Betty Bawngart.
Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Monday, October 17, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, 624 South Adams Street, Marion, Indiana with Pastor Colleen Harden officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 4pm-6pm in Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, Marion Chapel, 2722 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory immediately following the funeral service
Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church or Marion General Hospital Auxiliary, 441 North Wabash Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46952.