Patricia Dawn Benkart, age 83, of Madison, Indiana, and the daughter of the late Gerald "Gerrit" and Muriel (Smith) Jonas, was born on March 17, 1943, in Cape Town, South Africa. After high school, she worked as a nurse's assistant at several private nursing facilities in South Africa. In May of 1965, Pat was united in marriage to Arthur David Benkart and they enjoyed 46 wonderful years together. She was a devoted homemaker and the wife of a 20-year veteran in the United States military. During Arthur's service, they were stationed in different countries such as South Africa, West Germany, and the Philippines. While in the United States, they also resided in Florida, Maryland, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, before moving to Indiana.

Pat was never idle and enjoyed knitting, swimming, listening to music, walking, going shopping, reading, dancing to disco music, and just spending time outdoors. She loved Masterpiece Theatre, The History Channel, Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, and all detective movies. She was a charitable person and was always mindful of those in need. Pat rescued many cats throughout the years and liked feeding the birds and the "squrtels" as she called them. She had a fondness for chocolate and drinking a warm cup of Rooibos tea. Mrs. Benkart passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Jewel Place in Madison.

Her life will be cherished by her children: Lisa Jane Spears of Madison and Adriaan Benkart and his wife, Olga of Woodridge, Illinois; her sisters: Gloria Louw and her husband, Alyson, and Dolores Bossenger and her husband, Peter, all of Cape Town, South Africa; her grandchildren: Amanda and Alex; and her great grandchildren: Autumn and Coy. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Muriel Jonas; her husband: Arthur David Benkart; her sister: Jean Bauerschmidt; her brother: Elton Jonas; and her daughter, Deborah Faye Benkart.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Noon, Friday, October 9, 2026 at Welty Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lytle Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, Madison, with interment to follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison. Friends and family may visit at the Welty Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lytle Chapel from 11:00 AM until the time of the service on Friday.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. Contributions may be made at Welty Family Funeral Home or below.