Fern L. Bennett

Fern C. Bennett of Wapakoneta, OH, formerly of Greenville, OH, met her Lord and Savior on June 30, 2026 at the age of 88. She was born July 31, 1937, in Titusville, PA to E. Ralph and E. Louise Christy Carpenter who preceded her in death. Fern graduated from Pine Valley Central School in South Dayton, NY in 1955 where she received honors for her talent on the baritone horn. She continued to play her instrument over the last 77 years. She met her sweetheart, Robert R. (Bob) Bennett in junior high and they were married in 1956. They claimed Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” as their life verse for their marriage and their family. They shared 55 years together before Bob’s passing in 2011. They were blessed with three daughters, Susan Yvonne, Sharon Arleen, and Sheryl Christine. Fern had a few jobs outside the home but spent most of her time as a homemaker. She was a prayer warrior and deeply devoted to her faith, which guided her throughout her life. She was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene, serving in various positions throughout the years. She formerly served as chairperson of the Christian Women’s Club in Richmond, IN, and a member of the Gideon’s International Auxiliary. In addition to her family, she enjoyed church activities, camping, yard work, and working alongside her husband. She was a problem solver, very organized, and kept meticulous notes and lists. She was no stranger to technology, keeping up with family and friends through phone calls, e-mail, Facebook, and texting. Fern and her daughters often sang together and she enjoyed their musical talents. One of her goals was to play her baritone horn in church on her 80th birthday. She surpassed that goal by playing in church around her birthday for the last 8 years, missing her 89th birthday by one month. Surviving to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are her daughters and their spouses, Susan and Kevin Ulis of Wapakoneta, OH, Sharon and Bradley Kimmy of Corry, PA, and Sheryl and Kenneth Kinser of Wapakoneta; her grandchildren, Robert Ulis, Kelley (Bradley) Langstaff, Karen (Kyle) Greer, Adrienne Kimmy, Melissa (Zachary) Salazar, Brittany Miller, Joshua (Alicia) VanDine, and Shirley (David) Burns; and 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Virginia Carpenter and Charleen Carpenter; her Bennett family, Levert Bennett, Lyman (Charlotte) Bennett, Jack (Sandra) Bennett, and Maurice (Sonia) Bennett; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and her parents, Fern was preceded in death by her siblings, Beth Carpenter (infant), Maurice Carpenter, Ralph (Marjorie) Carpenter, Rev. Randall Carpenter, Richard (Thelma) Carpenter, Glenn (Lois) Carpenter, and Alice (Howard) Adams. Also, a granddaughter, Stephanie Kimmy (infant), and son-in-law, Stewart VanDine. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Stephen Ambrose officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Sunday, July 5, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, and 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church. Memorial contributions to Gideon’s International or the Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be expressed at eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Fern L. Bennett

July 31, 1937 - June 30, 2026