God gained another angel on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Barbara "Barb" J. Benner, 77, of Berkey, Ohio. She was born Jan. 2, 1939 in Ogden Township, Michigan to Elvin and Elizabeth (Kline) Iffland. Berkey Barb, as she was known, was the smiling face that you would see at the Berkey store for over 40 years. If you knew her and you were a "Berkey Brat", she loved you. Her spicy personality and deep love for people impacted all who knew and loved her. She was the rock that kept our family together.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her. She never missed a sporting event, birthday or any other important event in their lives. She loved gambling, vacationing in Florida, sun bathing and cooking for family gatherings.
Special thanks to her grandchildren, Matthew, for being the best roommate ever; Justin and Luke for creating beautiful great-grandchildren that filled her heart with joy; Chad for always being there at the drop of a hat; and Tiffany, "Grandma's Princess," for the countless hours of devotion.
Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Dori (Rick) Poorman and Shirley (Joe) Muszynski; grandchildren, Justin (Whitney) Keeler, Luke (Sara) Keeler, Matthew Keeler, Chad (Katie) Muszynski and Tiffany (A.J.) Muszynski; and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters, Margaret Manzagol, Wilma Jackson, and Claire Iffland.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband Jack of 57 years; her parents; infant son, Denny; brothers, Lynford and Norris; and sisters, Eileen, Erma, Corabelle, Inez, Meredith and Betty.
The family would like to thank the Iffland family and friends for their heartfelt expressions of support.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9 at 12 p.m. at the Universalist Church in Lyons. A celebration of life will take place in Berkey, Ohio at the hall behind the Berkey store immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lathrop Park, P.O. Box 41, Berkey, OH 43504, in honor of Jack and Barb Benner.
Arrangements by Weigel Funeral Home (419-644-3601).
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joyce Beroske
June 28, 2016
Barb was certainly the Berkey icon. She loved life.You would never see her down . She was a friend to everyone and never saw a stranger. I have so many fond memories of Barb, from racing our horses to the cow eating her curtains! Never a dull moment. RIP dear friend, till we meet again.
Laurie (Bernath) Rufenacht
June 27, 2016
So sorry to hear about Barb ~ she was simply the best!! I think of her often as I'm folding socks and I always remember our laughs over all the "socks in the sock basket". I will forever hear her laugh that was so contagious!!
Sending hugs to you all ~ she will be missed!!
And an extra hug to you Tiffany!! Miss you, kiddo!! ❤
Ginny Butler
June 27, 2016
I am so proud to be one long friend.as we grew old together
June 27, 2016
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one. May loving words comfort your family at this time of sorrow. Isaiah 57:15
Kathy and John
June 26, 2016
There's not enough words to express my feelings regarding Mama Gert except she was an amazing, awesome and beautiful woman. She holds a special place in my life and heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to Shirley, Dori and the family. She will be missed deeply.
Polly Gombash
June 26, 2016
Dori and Shirley, I was deeply sadden to hear of your moms passing. I am proud to be one of her Berkey Bratts! I will miss her smile and the light in her eyes. I am also proud that my kids were also thought of as her Berkey Bratts".
Polly, Willie, Liz and Jacob Gombash
June 26, 2016
Sorry for your loss, John Janney
Dawn Cook
June 26, 2016
Barb welcomed all who walked through her door. She had a zest for life and was an inspiration to all!! She was full of laughter that would make anyone smile. She will be forever missed at the carryout and in our small town of Berkey!!! We love you Barb!!!
Cheri Durdel
June 26, 2016
Dori I am so sorry about your mom. She was always a breath of fresh air when she came to the doctors office.......I have never met such a happy lady in my life....my condolences to you and Ricky...
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