Iola W. Bennink

Iola W. Bennink, 103, of Columbus Township, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Corry Memorial Hospital.
Iola was born on May 26, 1922, in Pine Valley, PA, the only child of Clarence and Pluma (Whiteley) Scholton. She attended one room schools in the Columbus area graduating from Columbus School and the Orra-Jean Beauty Academy in Erie, PA. Iola worked at beauty salons in Youngsville and Corry.
She married Donald L. Bennink in 1944 and lived and worked on the family farm. She and her husband started a greenhouse business in 1968, which Iola continued for over 35 years.
Iola served as secretary/treasurer of the Pine Valley Cemetery Association for many years and served several terms as an election poll worker for Columbus Township. In her later years, she enjoyed traveling the world with her nephew, Max.
Iola enjoyed creating greeting cards, baking cookies, playing cards and visiting with family and her many friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; two grandsons, Timothy Bennink and Steven Brundage and stepfather, Bert Chapman.
Iola is survived by her children, Susan L. (John) Brundage, D. James (Penni) Bennink and Linda D. Ferrick; grandchildren, Todd Brundage, John Brundage, Jeff Ferrick and Kelly Tremblay; 9 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Wednesday, July 16th at the Columbus Township Social Hall, 4 W. Main St., Columbus, PA 16405 from 5pm until 7 pm.
A private graveside service for her family is planned.
Arrangements are under the care of Bracken Funeral Home, Inc., 315 N. Center St, Corry, PA 16407.
To sign the guest book or send condolences, please visit www.brackenfh.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Iola, please visit our floral store.