Nancy Benedict

In Elmira, NY, on August 4, 1942, Nancy Lynn Benedict was welcomed into this world by Byron & Elouise Benedict. She then ascended into heaven on February 16, 2026, as a result of a decision to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.

Nancy grew up on the family farm in Whitneyville, PA with her two brothers, John T. Benedict (deceased) and Robert E. Benedict. She helped with the farm chores and enjoyed driving the tractor as she helped mowing down hay on various fields for the Federal soil bank program, as well as haying at other local farms. She continued to enjoy driving tractor all through her life.

Graduating from Wellsboro High School in 1960, she continued to Mansfield Teachers College, earning her degree in Elementary Education in 1964. While in college, she worked at the local Drive-In Theatre selling popcorn and taught guitar lessons in Mansfield. Upon graduating from Mansfield, she worked for 10 years (1964-1974) teaching 2nd Grade students at Portville, NY Central School District. During these years, she also worked to earn her Master's Degree at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY.

In 1974, she was asked to serve as a summer missionary with Child Evangelism Fellowship (C.E.F.) of Tioga County, PA. During that summer, she experienced an intensive and fruitful training by teaching and evangelizing with C.E.F. She then made the decision to follow God's leading and to serve full-time as a Missionary for C.E.F., Inc.

Nancy served 35 years with C.E.F., starting as a summer missionary teaching 5-Day Clubs in Tioga County, PA. She then continued on as a C.E.F. local director in Northumberland, PA (1974-1989) with her best friend Welda Bell. Then they accepted new positions in C.E.F. as co-director of the state of Maryland (1989-1994). From 1994 until November 2001, Nancy served at the International Headquarters of C.E.F. in the United States of America Ministry Department in Warrenton, MO. From 2003-2009, she returned to Maryland serving as the State Director of C.E.F., training volunteers to teach God's word to boys and girls.

Through her years of service, she considered it a privilege and joy to conduct training classes for teachers, as well as plan and orchestrate Vacation Bible Schools, Good News Clubs, Day Camps, and Overnight Camps.

Nancy's hobby and joy was camping (glamping). She spent many winters in Florida camping with family and friends.

Nancy is a member of Bell Run Church and has enjoyed ministry in several capacities. Surviving is her life-time best friend, co-worker and confidante, Welda Bell. We wish to thank the Bell Family of Shinglehouse (Welda Bell, Ed Bell, and Nani Bell, and Patsy Colbey) for their adoption and un-ending love and care for Nancy.

Also surviving are her brother, Robert (Cynthia); nieces, Tammy Mengee and Maria Frank (Dan), both of Wellsboro, PA; nephew, Tyler Benedict (Tammy Jo) of Mansfield, PA; eight great nieces and one great nephew; and seven great-great nieces and nephews; cousins, Donald Benedict (Helen) of Mainesburg, PA, Donna Baker of Roseville, PA, and Joy Kerr of Phoenix, Arizona.

Donations may be made to C.E.F., to help continuing Nancy's mission, resulting in more children hearing the Good News (https://www.cefonline.com/get-involved/ways-to-give), or to the charity of your choice.

A life celebration will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 Mansfield, PA. A service will follow at 2:00 P.M. with Edward Bell officiating. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com