Sharon F. Benner

Sharon F. Benner, 70, of Latrobe, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. Sharon was born June 21, 1953, in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late Rev. Robert E. and Dorothy Bowman Hostetler. Sharon was a 1971 graduate of Mt. Pleasant Area High School. She was happily married to her husband, Rev. David W. Benner, for 44 years. Sharon loved being in ministry with her husband. When her life changed after his passing, she adamantly searched for ways to continue her own personal ministry in her day-to-day life interactions with the people she encountered. Sharon was always prepared and ready to share not only who Jesus was, but that He was the priority and most important decision in her life. She positively impacted countless lives for the Kingdom of Heaven. In recent years she was the pianist for the First Brethren Church in Mount Pleasant and considered the congregation part of her family.The needs and service of others were always of concern.  She ministered to not only each person’s physical needs, but to their spiritual needs as well.  When others provided a service to her, in most cases that person would also receive a “thank you” by making them a pie, a treat of some sort or even an entire meal. She shared love, joy and encouragement with everyone she encountered with a smile on her face, a song on her lips or music that was in her heart. She was immensely proud of her large family that has continued to follow the legacy left behind by her beloved mother, Dorothy. Sharon loved watching her family grow in their relationships with the Lord and knowledge of God’s word, as she prayed faithfully each day for them. She cherished every moment spent together with her family, which often included her natural humor that sparked great laughter and joy amongst all. Her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by many. 

 Sharon is survived by her daughter, Michele Benner; siblings, Betty Snyder, Barbara Kreger (Samuel), Robert Hostetler (Nancy), Lorraine Queer (David),  David Hostetler (Arlene), Tammy Martz (Rayne), Timothy Hostetler (Sharon); nieces and nephews, Sherri Gearhart, Sam Kreger, Jr., Deborah Howes, Rebecca Luker, Jason Hostetler, Brandy Martz, Ashley Livella, Amanda Turcheck, Danielle Hostetler, Lindsey Turcheck, Niki Hostetler, Ryan Martz, Timothy Hostetler; and sisters-in-law, Carol Smith and Connie Benton (Kevin). In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. David Benner. 

 Visitation for family and friends will be held at SLATER-REGA FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC, 730 W. MAIN STREET, MT. PLEASANT, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. An additional viewing will be held at NEW STANTON ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 135 ASSEMBLY OF GOD LANE, NEW STANTON, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park Cemetery.  Please visit Sharon's online memorial at rega.slaterfuneral.com to sign the condolence guestbook.  Richard Rega, funeral director.