Submitted by: Dan Rich

Charles Bennett

Feb. 9, 1940 - Feb. 1, 2005

South Bend Tribune 2/3/2005

Charles Bennett, 64, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2005, in his home surrounded by the love of his family. Charles ("Chuck") was born to Ruby (Clayton) and Melvin Bennett Sr. on February 9, 1940. For 20 years until 1995, Chuck lived in Dowagiac, Michigan, with his beloved wife of 34 years, Shirley. In Dowagiac, Chuck and Shirley were the owners of Northside Food Shop until they moved to Mishawaka, Indiana, in 1995. Chuck is survived by his wife, Shirley; and their four children, Mary Bennett of Decatur, Michigan, James (Lisa) Bennett of Granger, Indiana, Kimberly (Delbert) Ritchie of Decatur, Michigan, and Lisa (David) Eifler of Buchanan, Michigan; 10 grandchildren, Thomas (Taryn) Bennett, Betsy (Phillip Grove) Bennett, Charlie Beardslee, Andy Beardslee, Steven Mastenbrook, Rita Ritchie, Joshua Ritchie, Rashelle Ritchie, Jeffrey Eifler and Matthew Eifler; and one great- granddaughter, Kylie Bennett.

Chuck was one of 13 children, Elizabeth Patrick, Jim, Ernie, Bob, Blanche Holcomb, Hazel McCloskey, Jenny Kardash, John, Connie Freet, Bonnie Mass and Rich. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and his brother, Melvin Jr. Chuck was loved by all those who were fortunate enough to know him. He was always positive and helped many family and friends through good times and bad. He was always the one person everyone could count on to be there whenever anyone needed advice, support, or just a good laugh. He will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace.

Family and friends may call on Friday, February 4, from 2 until 8 p.m. in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana, where funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 5, with Pastor J. Mark Muncy officiating the services, and with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.