Barbara Jean Benner

Barbara Jean Benner, 88, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at The Village of Orchard Ridge - Assisted Living in Winchester, VA. She is the daughter of the late John and Isabella Wagonjack.

Barbara (or "Nammy" to her grandchildren), was born on September 3, 1937, in Port Huron, Michigan, and graduated from Marysville High School, Marysville, Michigan, in 1955. She attended Michigan State University and received her undergraduate degree in home economics in 1959.

She married her high school and college sweetheart, Ernie Benner, in 1959 and in the early years of their marriage she worked as a home economics teacher. Barbara and Ernie moved their young family to Charles Town, WV in 1966 and she was devoted to and tirelessly supported Ernie as he established his large animal veterinary practice. Ernie said she "was the hub of the home" and they always worked as a cohesive team whether at home, work, or play.

Barbara was highly engaged with her family, community and church and had many diverse interests. She was a member and past president of both the Charles Town Jr. Woman's Club and Dolley Madison Garden Club, and a volunteer for the American Red Cross and Good Shepherd Caregivers. She enjoyed her book club and playing bridge with friends in Charles Town, as well as playing mahjong with friends in Green Valley, AZ. Barbara loved music and playing her piano, and as a long-time member of Asbury United Methodist Church, was a member of both the choir and handbell choir.

An avid sports fan, Barbara cheered on her MSU Spartans – as well as her children and grandchildren on the sidelines or grandstands of many sporting events over the years. She was an active athlete, especially on the tennis courts where she enjoyed friendly competition with friends in both Charles Town and Green Valley, including with her mixed doubles partner, Ernie.

She and Ernie were adventurous bicyclists, and combined with a love of travel, experienced wonderful bike trips across Europe, Africa, and the US, including the Oregon Trail, Lewis and Clark Trail, Allegheny Passage, Erie Canal, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Their bike travels were made even more special, as Barbara's sister Patricia and her husband, Arthur, were on many of these trips.

Barbara was always positive, stylish, organized, energetic and fun-loving – and somehow, she made everything she did appear effortless. Barbara will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Her family will remember her as a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother, who created a cozy, happy, and nurturing home.

Barbara is survived by her four children, Sharon Theodore (Andrew), Alexandria, VA; Ernest Benner (Paula), Berryville, VA; Julie Benner, Germantown, MD; and Garth Benner (Joy), Walnut Creek, CA; seven grandchildren of whom she was very proud, Catherine (Dennis), Ernie, Jack, Claire, Charles, Henry and Alice; sister Patricia Ravicz, Santa Rosa, CA, and brother, Bill Wagonjack, Warren, OH, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ernie, and her brother, Jack Wagonjack.

The Benner family would like to thank The Village at Orchard Ridge – Assisted Living and Blue Ridge Care; Barbara received excellent care from their skilled and compassionate staff.

A celebration of life for Barbara will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 110 West North Street, Charles Town, WV 25414 with Pastor Duane Jensen officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the church in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 110 West North Street, Charles Town, WV 25414 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements by the Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home, Ranson, WV

Please sign her online guestbook at www.mtstrider.com