Laura "Dot" Benjamin passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, at home at the age of 98.  Born on September 22, 1925, in Tedders, Kentucky, to Samuel and Sarah Jane Gilbert.  She was one of ten children.  She attended secondary education at Berea College in Kentucky.  As a young adult, she longed for something more than the hollers of Kentucky were providing, so she ventured to Northwest Indiana to find work.  While working at a store in downtown Gary, she met the love of her life and best friend, Edward Benjamin.  They married on June 22, 1947.  They lived in Gary and later moved to Hobart, where they spent the rest of their days.  Laura worked at US Steel Sheet and Tin Mill; Sears, Roebuck & Co.; and JoAnn Fabrics.  She enjoyed gardening, quilting, crafting, cooking and spending time with her family. She enjoyed visiting her farm in Kentucky, making THE BEST chicken and dumplings, and loving, rocking and telling stories to all the grandbabies. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and a long-time member of Central Baptist Church (Bethel) of Hobart.

Laura was the sweetest, kindest, most-loving person and served the Lord every day of her life.  Her family is very thankful to have had her for so many years.

Laura is survived by her three children, Gloria Benjamin, Cheryl (Chuck) Conners, and Paul Benjamin; four grandchildren Kathleen (Randy) Erwin, Lori (Cham) Wilkie-Wireman, Caitlin (Mike) Raymond, and Brenden Benjamin; five great grandchildren, Carly (Josh) Urban, Tristan Wilkie, Colton Wilkie, Brayden Wilkie, and Maple Benjamin; and one great-great grandchild Caroline Urban; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Edward Benjamin, her parents Samuel and Sarah Jane Gilbert, and her nine siblings Mitchell, Wallace, Mariah, Gentry, Mary Jane "Mert," Burchell, Lucy, Taylor and Effie.

A visitation will take place from 10:30am - 12:00pm, Monday, March 25 at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel with service to begin at 12:00pm.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Portage, Indiana.