Helen Benner

Helen Lola Benner, 97 years, 6 months, 22 days, of Richlandtown, died January 22, 2014 with her devoted son, Larry, holding her hand. Born in Richlandtown on June 30, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Charles Erwin Heller and Esther Helen (Sloyer) Heller. Helen was the wife of the late William Enoch Benner, Jr. Their union produced one son, Larry Charles Benner. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on July 6, 1995. During World War II, Helen was drafted to serve as postmistress of the Richlandtown Post Office when the postmaster was called to active duty. In later years she worked in various textile factories: Swan Lee and Richlandtown Sportswear, turning the points of collars and cuffs on ladies blouses, namely Ship 'N Shore and Adelaire. Helen retired in 1988 at the age of 70. In the late 1940's, Helen contracted encephalitis (sleeping sickness) from a mosquito's egg laid in her inner ear. She was very ill for a number of years and experienced seizures from time to time. Being one of few survivors of the disease back then, Helen managed to work her way back to a relatively normal life, and was once again able to become a contributing member of society. In 2007 she was diagnosed with the rare blood disorder MDS--myelodysplastic syndrome--where the bone marrow no longer produces blood as it should. She also suffered from severe aortic stenosis. She loved her family and was especially close to her brother's daughter, Charlene Wolfe, wife of Jeffrey Wolfe, and her three great-nephews Jeremy, Jared and Ethan Wolfe. Helen was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Richlandtown where she regularly attended worship and was a former member of the Cantata Choir. As a young woman, Helen was active in the Richlandtown Fire Company Auxiliary. Being the great, beautiful Mom she was, and proud of her son's accomplishments, she would always be in attendance at his various musical performances. She would often accompany him to Philadelphia to attend concerts by the Philly Pops at the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center. Helen was predeceased by her husband, her parents and her brother, Charles Newton Heller. Survivors: A son, Larry Charles Benner, of Richlandtown, and many nieces, nephews and great-nephews. Services: Calling hours from 12:30-2 PM, Sunday January 26, St. John's United Church of Christ, Main Street and Route 212, Richlandtown. Service time at 2 PM. Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Interment: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Route 212, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers: Memorial contributions may be made to the organ fund of St. John's United Church of Christ, P. O. Box 356, Richlandtown, PA 18955-0356.