Fern Andrea Benner

Fern Andrea Benner, 88, passed away on July 7, 2026 at The Gatehouse in Williamsport.

The youngest of 6 children, Fern was born on July 2, 1938, and grew up on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. She enjoyed her pets and communicating with friends and family. Throughout her life she worked as a medical secretary.

Fern met her loving husband, Ira “Ben” Benner in Rapid City, South Dakota while he was serving in the Air Force. Together they moved to Ben’s home state of Pennsylvania, choosing to settle down and raise their family in Williamsport. They married on May 17, 1964 and spent 60 years together before his passing on July 27, 2024.

Fern is survived by children, Mark Benner, Anthony (Michelle) Benner, Wendy (Dean) Ripley, Julie Benner, and Christopher (Jenna) Benner; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Delphine Tech; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Services will be handled privately by the family.

To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.