Lanaia S. (Gamble) Bennett

Lanaia Sue Bennett, 52, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 12, 1973, in Tipton, Indiana, to her parents Edward and Elizabeth (Zwiefelhofer) Gamble. Lanaia was married to Tony Bennett, who preceded her in death on February 7, 2021.

A proud graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1992, Lanaia held several jobs over the years, but her favorite role was being a mom. She poured her heart into raising her children and caring for her family. Lanaia had a special gift with babies, she adored them, and they adored her in return.

Fondly known as the “sitting lady,” Lanaia loved to sit and visit, watch the world go by from her front porch, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, especially watching little ones laugh and play. She was a talented cook who always made more than enough, and nothing ever went to waste. Feeding her loved ones brought her great joy.

Lanaia enjoyed going to truck and tractor pulls, the Tipton Pork Festival, and the county fair. She had a deep love for elephants and collected them throughout her life, even getting a tattoo of an elephant for each of her children.

She was known for her sass and honesty; she spoke her mind and never left anyone guessing where they stood. But above all, she was known for her fierce love. She loved deeply, without hesitation, and that love will echo for generations.

Lanaia will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Those left to carry on Lanaia’s legacy of love are her parents, Edward & Elizabeth Gamble; children, Shawna (Shane Sexton) Carroll, Josh Carroll, Austin Carroll, Gracelynn Long; step daughter, Ashley (Elmer) Barber; granddaughter, Gracelynn Long; step grandchildren, Elmer Barber II, Anthony Barber, Melvin Barber, Azalin Barber;  siblings, Kimberly Gamble, Edward “Bubba” Gamble II, Tammy Dulworth; loving partner, Jimmy Purnell;  as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Lanaia was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Bennett.

A funeral service celebrating Lanaia's life will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton with Keith & Christina Himelick leading the service. Visitation for family & friends will be held prior to the service from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. 

Memorial donations in Lanaia's honor can be made to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses.  You can use the link below or the link on our home page to make a donation online.  We will also have a donation box available at the funeral home the day of the service.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Lanaia’s family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Lanaia with her family on her tribute wall. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lanaia S. (Gamble) Bennett, please visit our floral store.