Rachael Nichole Bennett

Rachael N. Bennett, a cherished daughter, sister, partner, and friend, lost her 7-year battle with cancer and passed away surrounded by her loving family on October 19, 2025, in Mishawaka, Indiana at the age of 37. Rachael was born on June 8, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Scott Bennett and Deborah Vergon (Marbeiter). Though briefly, Rachael proudly served in the United States Air Force before settling in Indianapolis where she met her life partner Jared Althouse.

Rachael is survived by her life partner Jared Althouse and their beloved dog Sawyer, her parents, Deborah (Craig) Vergon and Scott (Yuchun “Debbie”) Bennett, siblings, Joshua Bennett and Jacqueline Sekan, uncles, Michael Marbeiter, Ronald Marbeiter, Timothy Marbeiter, and Steve (Sheri) Shelton, aunts, Peggy (Tony) Rogers, Sara Bennett, and Amy Bennett, nephew Graysen Bennett, grandmother Joy Vergon, stepbrothers, Benjamin Lam and George Kao, as well as Tracey and Dirk Althouse, Abbi (David) Syrious and their two children, Olivia and Jacob Syrious. Rachael was preceded in death by her Uncle Richard Marbeiter, Aunt Katie Rakestraw, Stepfather John Sekan, and her maternal grandparents, Bonnie and Floyd Olsen, and paternal grandparents, Margaret and Gene Bennett.

Rachael was a social butterfly and loved spending summers at their New Buffalo condo at the beach, going to the Indy 500 with friends, and never missing a good concert. Anyone who knew her knew that Rachael was a proud “Swifty” and attending the Era Tour twice was a big highlight of 2024.

Rachael lived to travel. She had an adventurous spirit and a “fear of missing out” that lead her on many adventures. Through her independence and free spirit she traveled to many different countries, such as, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Mexico, and France to experience the beauty and cultures of each. A foodie at heart and self-proclaimed “champagne snob”, she enjoyed trying many different cuisines and beverages, as well.

In her spare time, Rachael loved to dive into a good book. An avid reader, she carried her Kindle with her almost everywhere she went and could often be found talking about books with her sister.

Rachael was born to be the “fun aunt.” She found great happiness in becoming an aunt to her nephew Graysen and cherished every moment they spent together from water balloon fights, nature walks, playing superheroes to snuggling. When Rachael and Graysen were in the house laughter was abundant.

Most importantly, Rachael loved her family. Amidst her adventures, she always made time to be with family for moments big or small; from binge-watching reality tv with mom to watching Notre Dame football to attending her sister’s college graduation to holding her nephew Graysen for the first time to attending a James Taylor concert with her dad Rachael’s devotion to her family was evident.

A true inspiration for her strength, determination, and joyfulness, Rachael leaves behind many friends and family who love her very much and will miss her dearly.

A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Buchanan Christian Church (formerly Church of Christ), 112 W 3rd Street, Buchanan, Michigan, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, October 23rd from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Buchanan Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society to the Mishawaka Branch. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Rachael’s life, or extend a message to her family, please visit the Guestbook.