Merry L. Benke, age 80, of Hobart and formerly of Valparaiso passed away Wednesday December 30, 2020 at the Franciscan Health Center in Michigan City.  Merry was born December 25, 1940 in Gary, Indiana to the late Dacre and Dorothy (Foley) Nelson. She was a homemaker, mother, and wife.

Merry is survived by four children, Jonathon (Mary) Benke of LaPorte, Ronald Benke of Kouts, Angela Benke of North Judson, and Bryan (Kathy) Benke of Valparaiso; her sister, Ann Sullivan of Hobart; ten grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorne; her grandson, Ricky; her parents; her stepfather, Robert Krull, and her brother, Dennis Nelson.

Visitation for Merry will be from 3-7 pm Wednesday January 6, 2021 at Rees Funeral Home 600 W. Old Ridge Road Hobart, Indiana 46342. **Due to County Covid Restrictions gathering sizes are limited to 25 people at any one time.** Private funeral services will be conducted on Thursday. Burial will be in McCool Cemetery in Portage.