Reba Carol Benson

Reba Carol Benson, 89, of Owensville, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026.  She was born on May 27, 1937 to Floral and George Raymond Emerson.  Reba was a graduate of Owensville High School in 1955 and went on to receive an education degree from Oakland City University.  These were referred to as some of the best days of her life as she enjoyed meeting so many lifelong friends and being a cheerleader all four years.  She then received her Master’s degree from Indiana State University and taught for 36 years.  She impacted students at North Posey and Owensville schools.

Reba was a member of Bethlehem General Baptist Church for over sixty years and was the music/choir director for forty years and additionally for thirteen years fulfilled the role of the choir director at Owensville General Baptist Church.  She was truly a kind Christian that “preached her own Sermon”.  In 1964, Rebecca Rae was born and truly was the “Sparkle in her eyes”.  They made a great team for sixty wonderful years.  Reba married and spent twenty-three years with Bill Benson who showed her a life she didn’t know existed.  They enjoyed traveling together by taking helicopter rides, cruises, and enjoyed many trips around the world.  Bill added two more beautiful daughters to Reba and Becca’s life, Tisha Benson Seale and Julie Benson Zoller. 

Reba loved being a social director in the community and was involved in various activities, such as Bethlehem General Baptist Quilters Club, Indiana Club, Red Hat Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 17, 2026 at Bethlehem General Baptist Church in Ft. Branch officiated by Pastor Rick Shamblin and Pastor Steve Wilson.  Interment will follow at Clark Cemetery in Owensville.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the service time at the church.

Reba was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; daughter, Becca; and other family members, Silas & Rebecca Ward, Vivien Hershel, Amanda Emerson, Julie Zoller, and Robert Seale.

She is survived by Tisha Seale; grandchildren Ryan (Shannon) Seale, Anna-Maria and William Zoller; great-grandchild, Lottie Seale; loving family members, Gordon & Jane Lynn Lowry, Andy & Kristen Lowry and family, Jason & Alisha Sexton and family, and J.D. Ott; and her dog and best friend, Annie Mae.

The family would like to thank her generous friends that were always by her side, caretakers at Heart-to-Heart Hospice, Visiting Angels, and North River Health Campus. 

Memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem General Baptist Church or F.I.R.S.T. (Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types).  Envelopes will be available at the church.   

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