Ellen Birdena (Keth) Benninger

Ellen Birdena Benninger, 88, of Tionesta,  passed away September 20, 2012, surrounded by her three daughters and cousin.

Born on April 13, 1924 in Belltown, PA she was the daughter of Jerry Edward Keth and Vera May Stitzinger Keth.

Ellen was a graduate of Farmington High School.

Her late ex-husband Arthur Cole Benninger passed away on November 3, 2007.

Ellen was a member of Tionesta United Methodist Church.

She retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and enjoyed hunting, tennis, golf, bridge, cooking, dominoes and puzzles.

Ellen is survived by three daughters: Constance McQuiston of Rockport TX, Pamela Neil of Tionesta PA,  and Candace O'Brien husband Joseph of Rockport TX.  Grandchildren surviving include Melissa McWilliams of Houston TX; Travis McWilliams and wife Sherry of Cypress TX and their children Hunter Mason, Ashlynn Grace, Mari-Katherine;  Christopher Neil and fiancée Stacey Johnson of Brookville, PA and their children Samantha Grace Neil, Emily and Tate Lindenmuth; Alyshia Zimmerman and husband Jason of Wylie TX and their children Isaac, Max, and Evan;  Lauren McDavid and husband Nathan of Dickinson TX, and their son Owen; Nicolaus Neil of Brookville PA; and Joseph O'Brien III of Fort Drum NY.  Also surviving is a sister Dean Sass of Tionesta, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Abe and Vera Keth, and a daughter Piper Gay Benninger.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, September 24, 2012 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Faller Funeral Home, Inc. in Fryburg. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 10am at Tionesta United Methodist Church in Tionesta, with Rev. Randy Evans and Rev. Shawn Johnson officiating.

Interment in the Washington Church Cemetery in Frills Corners follow the service.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice, Washington Church Cemetery Association, Tionesta United Methodist Church, or the American cancer Society.

Please visit www.fallerfuneralhome.com to share your memories and photos and offer your condolences.

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