Benjamin S. Jeffery

1976 - 2025

Benjamin S. "Ben" Jeffery, 49, of Elkhart, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., in a senseless violent act at Martin's Super Markets in Elkhart. Ben, as he was known to family and friends, was born on Jan, 6, 1976, in Hancock, Michigan, to James Drew Jeffery, who is deceased and Judy Ann (Crawford) Caswell of Ceresco, Michigan.

On Nov. 10, 2011, he married his true love and best friend Valarie L. (Slauf) Bailey. Valarie survives, as well as his siblings, Adam (Tina) Jeffery and Aaron (Michelle) Jeffery, both of Lake Linden, Michigan, Ann (Randy) Haywood of Hancock, Michigan, and Andy (Paula) Jeffery of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mike Jeffery of Marshill, Wisconsin, and Robert (Pam) Jeffery of Warroad, Minnesota; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ben was preceded in death by his first wife, Angela Jeffery, and two daughters, Sarah and Kaitlyn Jeffery, in a tragic house fire in 2001.

Ben worked as a CNA in the health care industry for many years, He also worked in area manufacturing businesses.

Ben loved being a docent at the Ruthmere-Havilah Beardsley House, many were amazed at his knowledge of the Beardsley family and local Elkhart History. Ben also served with EMA (Emergency Management Assistance) and the Red Cross, helping during any emergencies for many years. Ben was an avid painter and artist. He was in the process of mapping all the coal mines in the area around his hometown of Hancock, Michigan, and Keweenaw Peninsula. Ben was also authoring a book on grief, which the family hopes to finish and have published. Ben also had two support animals, a Morkie Saydee and cat Jackson. Ben also loved serving at area churches.

Ben had a kind and loving soul; he loved God and people. He was loved by all. Ben had a great sense of humor and was a "comedian's best friend." Val's mom nicknamed him "Giggles."

Services celebrating the life of Benjamin S. Jeffery will begin with visitation with the family from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at The Vine Church, 2616 Peddlers Village Road No. 2, Goshen.

The service will follow at 4 p.m. Pastor Al Kinsey will officiate. Kindly direct any memorials to Jeffery's family. Billings Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be shared online to Ben's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

"The shooter didn't know he could not kill a Christian. But instead, he changed his address to heaven."