Janelle D. Benedict

Janelle D. Benedict left this physical world on Monday Feb. 19th, 2024. Janelle was born in Columbus, Nebraska and grew up in Bellwood, a small farming community in the beautiful Platte Valley. Her parents, Frank and Lillian, took every opportunity to instill in their kids a deep appreciation for the nature and wildlife of Nebraska and the beauty of God’s creation, and they taught them early on that Cornhusker football is much more than a sport but a way of Nebraska life. Janelle, the 1971 prom queen, graduated from David City High School and attended Kearney State College and Platte Technical Community College. She proudly served her country as a MP in the United States Army, enlisted in 1976 at a time when the Military Police Corp opened up to women for the first time. She was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and the American Spirit Honor Medal. Janelle was one of the last groups of women to receive training as a WAC in the Women’s Army Corp before it was disestablished and women began training with men. After completing her tour of duty as an MP, Janelle served as a Correctional Officer with the Indiana Department of Corrections, working in a maximum security prison while seeking employment as a police officer in a civilian department. At a time when few women were being accepted into law enforcement Janelle secured a position at the Bloomington Police Department in 1987. She worked her way up through the ranks and at the time of her retirement in 2014, she held the rank of Deputy Chief of Police, the first woman to hold this position. Janelle graduated with honors from the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville. She was further commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor award by the commonwealth of Kentucky. Janelle was a longtime volunteer for Area 10 Agency on Aging and served in both their Caring Companion Program and Meal Delivery Programs. She was a lifelong member of the Bellwood United Methodist Church and attended St. Paul United Methodist Church locally. She was also a member of American Legion Post 327. Janelle is survived by her best friend, soul mate, and “activities director” of 29 years Ruth (Manny) Harpool. She is also survived by her siblings, brother (Spiritual Guide) Mike and his wife Cheryl Benedict of Bellwood, sister Deb Benedict of Bellwood, nephews Erik Hollmann and Arin Hollmann, nieces Crystal Hollmann, Wendy Fisher and husband Matt. Other surviving loved ones include several great nieces and nephews, cousins and her crazy dog Ferris Wheel and pretty black kitty Butter Cup. Janelle was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister Connie Hollmann. Janelle has generously bequeathed her body to science. It was her wish that rather than sending a gift or flowers that you honor her memory by donating blood, becoming an organ or tissue donor, or by bequeathing your body to science as she did. In Lieu of such donation, Janelle requests that you prominently display our nation’s flag on your property and that you ensure that the flag remains well-maintained and serviceable. Janelle believed very deeply in American exceptionalism, and she felt that our country’s symbol of freedom, our very own “Old Glory,” should be handled with respect and displayed in a manner that brings honor to our nation. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care provided to Janelle by: Dr. Jackie Joyce, Dr. Fadi Haddad, Dr. Rebecca Cohen, Dr. Jamie Bales, Dr. Tom Hrisomalos, and Dr. Prodyot Ghosh, and their staffs, as well as the professional staffs, nurses, and doctors of the IU Health Home Hospice Program. Janelle has been truly blessed to have been cared for by such qualified, caring, dedicated, and professional experts. The family’s deepest gratitude cannot be overstated! All praise be to God for the special talents, skills, and commitments of those who have chosen the medical field path and may God continue to watch over and encourage you as your achievements lead the paths for others wishing to make such a difference. Family, friends and those whose lives were graced by Janelle are invited to attend a gathering and pay homage to her life. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at One World at Woolery Mill 2250 West Sunstone Drive Bloomington, IN on Sunday March 3rd. Please come anytime from 3pm to 7pm. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Janelle Benedict please visit our Sympathy Store.

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Janelle D. Benedict

December 4, 1952 - February 19, 2024