Madonna Rose (Bender) Benson
Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Madonna Rose (Bender) Benson
June 28, 1936 – July 25, 2026
Madonna Rose Benson, 90, of Logansport, passed away at 2:17 p.m., Saturday, July 25, with family by her side.
Born June 28, 1936, in Logansport, Madonna was the daughter of George “Buss” and Jeanette Knowles Minneman Bender.
Madonna attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and graduated from Logansport High School in 1954 with her high school sweetheart, Jerry A. Benson.
Madonna married Jerry on Oct. 12, 1957, in St. Vincent Church de Paul Church in Logansport.
In 1958, Madonna spent time in White Sands, New Mexico, as Jerry was enlisted in the United States Army. In 1960, they returned home to Logansport to welcome their first child and to be closer to family. Shortly after, Jerry became employed at Chrysler in Kokomo. Rather than moving to Kokomo, the two decided Jerry would commute each day to raise all four of their children in the town where they fell in love.
For many years, Madonna was employed at the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Smith Office Plus, and she also worked for optometrist Dr. Kenneth Lawrence.
Madonna loved many things, but she especially loved her family, friends, church and community.
Throughout her life, Madonna was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, St. Bridget Catholic Church and All Saints Catholic Church. She taught Religious Education at St. Bridget and volunteered her time to the church office of All Saints.
She treasured her Catholic faith, praying the rosary often, attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion. Madonna also valued time with friends she made during Cursillo.
Madonna also volunteered with the Mary Dykeman Guild and the Dentzel Carousel. The carousel was Madonna’s favorite Logansport attraction, as she remembered riding the lion at Spencer Park before it was moved to Riverside Park.
Madonna was also a member of a variety of clubs throughout her life, including Extension Homemakers Club, the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, Bunco Club, and Euchre Queens. Madonna never turned down a good game of euchre and enjoyed Friday nights with Jerry at the Knights of Columbus.
After retiring from the bank, she kept close with coworkers who quickly became lifelong friends, known as “The Bank Girls.” Madonna also spent many Friday mornings drinking coffee with friends at The Dessert Haus.
Madonna loved traveling with Jerry and friends and attending Notre Dame football games. The couple spent their 30th wedding anniversary in Hawaii and traveled to many other states.
Madonna was famous for her homemade noodles, fudge, cream puffs and rock candy. Many people were also fortunate enough to receive a delivery of hand-picked roses from her garden.
Madonna’s love radiated across her family. Her children and grandchildren remember that she never missed a game or an opportunity to celebrate them.
This love transcended generations. As a child, she had a special relationship with each of her siblings. She also had a close connection with her Aunt Frances. She mirrored that same bond with her niece, Ginny Sharpe. She was lucky enough to be a grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.
Madonna is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Alice Benson, Lafayette, IN; daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Greg Mikesell, Snellville, GA, Mary and Chris Kitchen, Franklin, IN and Janet and Don Tocco, Logansport, IN; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ruth Bender; sisters-in-law, Bernadine Bender and Dee Bender; grandchildren, Kimberly Moulder, Brad Benson, Neil Benson, Tyler Kitchen, Perry Kitchen, Noelle Ajamie, Seth Tocco, and Shae Tocco; great-grandchildren, Ella Edwards, Spencer Moulder, Vivian Moulder, Annabelle Moulder, Avery Benson, Blaire Benson, Zoe Kitchen, Nathan Kitchen, Colt Kitchen, Chloe Kitchen, Allison Ajamie, James Ajamie Jr.; and great-great grandchildren, Oliver Shepard and one on the way. Madonna is also loved by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Madonna is preceded in death by her brothers, Roger Bender, Bill Bender and Vincent Bender; and her sister, Kay Reid.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Miller’s Merry Manor in Logansport and Guardian Angel Hospice for their thoughtful care during the last six weeks. A special heartfelt thank you to Betty Tocco-Smith, Madonna’s honorary fourth daughter, who helped care for her and loved her. To Madonna’s neighbors over the years: she felt very loved and blessed to have each of you in her life. Thank you for the many wonderful years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 7 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church. Fr Kyle Netererwill officiate.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home & Cremation, 711 E. Market Street, Logansport, IN. The rosary will be recited at 2:40 p.m.
There will also be a visitation at All Saints Parish Hall, Friday, August 7 at 9:30 a.m. prior to Mass.
Entombment will be at Ever-Rest Memorial Park.
Madonna is remembered for her positivity and thoughtfulness, but most importantly, her faith. Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Arrangements are pending at Kroeger Funeral Home.