Barbara Frances Benner

Barbara F. Benner of Hastings, died February 18, 2018 at age 74 surrounded by her family. Barbara was born May 13, 1943 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Paul and Mary Jane (Birch) Drenthe.

She graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL in 1961, and then attended Beauty School in Battle Creek. She moved to Hastings in 1962 and worked at Ferrai's Beauty Salon, Hastings Manufacturing in the office and then Mary's Beauty Shop.  She moved to California and worked as a switchboard operator for a few years before moving back to Hastings.

She married Douglas Benner on June 29, 1968. In 1971 they bought their home and Doug built her a beauty shop in their garage so she could be at home with their children.

Barb was very involved in her community. She was the Arts and Crafts Summerfest coordinator for many years.  She also taught painting classes at the college and at her home.  She joined the GFWC Hastings Women's Club in 2002 with her mother, Mary Jane Drenthe. Barb served as Club President, 2010-12, Vice President 2008-10, Board of Directors, 2008-12, and Corresponding Secretary 2006-08.  She served as Calling Chairwoman, Senior Tea Chairwoman, Club Handbook Chairwoman, Arts Chairwoman, Home Tour and Church Tour Co-chairwoman, and Garage Sale Chairwoman.   She attended Southwestern District meetings, GFWC MI Conventions, and served as GFWC MI Arts and Crafts Chairwoman, and State Teller for Convention Elections.

Barb also served on the City of Hastings Sculpture Selection Committee since its inception. She was a lifetime member of the Thornapple Garden Club, serving as Club President from 2005-09 and 2013-17, Garden Tour Co-chairwoman 2003-04, 2008-09, 2014-17.  She was Co-chairwoman for the Adopt-A-Corner, the Courthouse Fountain, the Nominating, Scholarship, and Garden Tour ticket sales committees. She was a member of the St. Andrew & Matthias Anglican Church of Irving.  She was a Master gardener, an artist, and a quilter.  Her greatest passion was her family and friends, but she loved being a grandma the most.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Mary Jane Drenthe, sister Janet Pape, father and mother in-law Voyle and Mildred Benner.

She is survived by her loving husband Douglas Benner of Hastings, children Michele (Scott) Prill, Shawn Benner, Cassi (Adam) Thayer all of Hastings and Tami Cherry of Winchester VA, Nephew that was like a son Kevin (Tina) Pape and his children Grant Pape, Juliette Pape and Zach Human.  Grandchildren Ashlee (Steve) Storrs, Olivia Pare', Daniel (Kelly) Cherry, Kaitlyn Cherry, Abby Prill, Braxton Prill, Jessi O'Keefe, Trystan Thayer, and Jacob O'Keefe.  Great grandchildren Vanessa Horsfall, Kierra Jane Smith, and Stella Grace Storrs. Sister Patricia (Jim) McGuire of Palmdale, CA.  Also, her longtime special friends Donna (Jim) Brown, Diane (John) Haines, and Patti (Karl) Millard.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the scholarship funds for Thornapple Garden Club, GFWC Woman's Club, and Arts Counsel.

A celebration of life  service will be held on Saturday May 12 at 11:00am at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings.  Visitation will also be held prior to the service time from 10:00 am until 11:00 am.