Ronald Lee Bennett

Ronald Lee Bennett
Sep 20, 1942 - Oct 13, 2025

Ronald Lee Bennett, age 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025. After a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis, he died surrounded by his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. Ron was a quiet man, with a quick smile, big laugh, and gracious generosity. He will be deeply missed.

Ron was born to Robert Lee and Edith Marie (Lane) Bennett in Seymour, IN. He grew up playing outside, working hard, and making mischief with his brother. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughter, Laura Bennett (John) Murphy, grandchildren Ryan (Taylor) Murphy, Reyna Murphy, Mara Murphy, Emma Murphy, brother Bob (Linda) Bennett and sister Judy (Steve) Siebert. Ron studied accounting at Indiana University. He received an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He married his college sweetheart and fellow IU alum, Mary Ann Ertel, on June 27, 1964. He was devoted to her throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Army and spent his career in finance (Magnavox, Ernst & Ernst, Stow Davis/Steelcase, Kurdziel Industries), working in Grand Rapids, Michigan for over 30 years. He was a devout and faithful Catholic who enjoyed discovering new churches and cathedrals when he traveled.

Ron loved walks in the woods, skiing, classical music, reading, sports, and weekly lunch dates with his grandchildren. He deeply loved his family. He was "all in" and willing to try anything with his grandchildren. From zipline rides down a mountainside, to pedaling the tag-along bike around Mackinac Island, from playing board games, to cheering loudly from the sidelines, Ron delighted in his family. He lived a life of purpose, faithfulness, and loving care of others.

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much...whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction." Bessie Anderson Stanley, 1904

"Heartbreak is the natural outcome of... holding in our affections those who inevitably move beyond our line of sight." David Whyte, 2015

If desired, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, the Utah Symphony, or the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. A private celebration of life will be held.

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