Marcella Bensman

RUSSIA - Marcella (Marcy) Jane Bensman, 97, of Russia, Ohio died peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the Landings of Sidney.

She was born June 6, 1927, to the late Herman and Emma (Simon) Dapore. On August 20, 1947, she married her husband of 66 years, Joseph E. Bensman Jr. of St. Patrick at St. Remy church, Russia. He preceded her in death on October 12, 2013. She was also preceded in death by daughters Bonita Bensman (August 16, 1996) and Annette Bensman (October 8, 1964). Sisters and brothers-in-law, Florence and August Wissman, Dorothy and John Gasson, Elsie and Romaine Berger and infant sister Ethel Rose Dapore.

She is survived by sons Rick Bensman, Worthington, Ohio and Dan and Karen Bensman, Russia. Five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Natalie Hildebrandt and sons Eli and Sam, Worthington. Shellie and Andrew Smith and sons Calvin, Archer and Mickey, Worthington, Sarah and Nick Taylor and sons Lincoln and Beau, Huber Heights, Amy and Nick Kappler and son Caden and daughter Camille, Westerville, Mitchell and Britny Bensman and son Carter and daughter Kendall, Columbus.

Marcy was a 1945 graduate of Russia High School. A significant part of her life was dedicated to caring for her daughters during their extended illnesses. For twenty-five years she taught CCD, most of those years she was working with second graders as they prepared for First Communion. She was also the religious coordinator for much of that time. She could often be seen at high school basketball games and volleyball matches as she took in tickets for the better part of thirty years. In addition, she helped prepare lunches after countless funerals.

She enjoyed reading, working on puzzles, playing numerous board games and was quite the card player all her life. Even days before she died and very weak, she asked to play cards and won both games with that big smile; one more chance to show us who was boss. She also loved going to the Gathering Place where senior citizens would meet.

Special thanks to Ellen Heffner for her vision and implementation of "The Gathering Place" where Marcy and so many others benefited through fellowship and social activities.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, January 11 at 10:30 AM at St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia with burial to follow in St. Remy cemetery. Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Russia on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 4-7 PM and on Saturday, January 11, from 9-10AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Joseph Village Center formerly the Gathering Place, 201 W. Main St Russia, Ohio 45363. Or to Ohio's Hospice of Miami County 3230 N. County Rd. 25A Troy, OH 45373. Condolences can be made at www.hogenkampfh.com.