Emma Y. Benner

     Emma Yengst Benner, 83, of Thompsontown passed away at 12:03 a.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

     Born November 2, 1939 in Mifflin, Juniata County, she was the daughter of the late Anna Maude Rodgers Yengst and H. Linn and Virginia Yengst.

     On September 5, 1962, she married her late husband, Don L. Benner, with whom they were blessed to share 58 years of marriage. A marriage filled with so much love and respect in their lifetime that it warms their family’s hearts to know they are once again united.

     She is survived by her proud children who are grateful for her many life lessons, Jan Benner-Bair and Brock, Todd L. Benner and Natalie, and Dan L. Benner and Cortney MacTavish, all of Thompsontown, as well as those whom she considered siblings, Sam Cook and Eileen, Jerome “Jerry” Cook and Pat, all of Mifflin, and her best friend in life, Margaret “Peg” (Ireland) McCloskey of Boyertown.

     Emma’s love for her grandchildren Alexandra Emma Noss, Anna Maci Noss, Jared Benner and Megan, Kobe Benner, Arden Benner, Eleana Benner and fiancé, Jake Sankey, Tate Benner and great-grandson, Colton Benner was evident by the smile and glow on her face whenever they were together. It always brightened MeMe’s day when the grandchildren brought their fur babies to visit.

     After graduating from Mansfield University, Emma taught home economics at Newport High School for over 30 years and was the co-owner of Benner’s Butcher Shoppe and related businesses. In her later years, she enjoyed spending winters in Fort Myers, Florida, sharing drinks, sun and sand with her husband, friends, and family.

     Emma’s love of cooking and sharing meals with family and friends will continue to be an inspiration to her family; she believed that there was always room for one more at every meal. She will best be remembered for her kindness and generosity, as well as her wit and sarcastic humor.

     Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown, with Rev. Kenneth Kitzmiller officiating. Interment will follow in Goodwill Cemetery, Bunkertown. There will be no viewing.

         Please join Emma’s family for food, drinks and shared stories at Lost Creek Golf Club after the cemetery service.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make room for one more.

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