1944
2021
Katheryn Lou Bennett, age 77, of Harrisonburg, VA, passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, VA. She was born on February 29, 1944, at Seneca Rocks, WV, the daughter of the late Earl J. and Ruby E. (Harper) Hedrick. On September 2, 1972, Katheryn married Melvin Arnold Bennett, who survives in Harrisonburg, VA.
Katheryn was a 1962 graduate of Circleville High School. She had worked as Secretary for Circleville High school and retired in 2004, after working 33 years as an administrative assistant for the First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg. Katheryn was currently employed by Sunnyside Communities and had worked there as a receptionist.
In addition to her husband, Katheryn is survived by: a daughter, Elizabeth Welcher (Cecil) of Grottoes, VA; a son, Melvin A. Bennett, Jr. of Mt. Sidney, VA; 3 sisters, Mary Raines (Larry) of Seneca Rocks, WV, Patsy Hedrick (Dick Vance) of Seneca Rocks, WV, Dotty Armentrout (Larry) of Cabins, WV; 2 grandchildren, Amy Welcher and Danny Bennett; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Kenny Hedrick.
Katheryn's family will receive friends on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 5-7 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will be on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Katheleen Michael officiating. Interment will be in North Fork Memorial Cemetery, Riverton, WV. Memorials may be made to: Circleville High School Preservation Fund, any Volunteer Rescue Squad, or charity of the donor's choice. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
Mona and Di ck Johnson
October 23, 2021
I could always count on Katheryn to know the answer to any question I had. She also was a rock,
an affectionate rock, when Dick was in rehab . She sent me upstairs feeling that I could conquer any difficulties or heartbreaks I would find there. So missed. Mona Johnson
Laura Conklin
October 22, 2021
What a loss to Sunnyside and a loss to our community! I have many fond memories of interacting with Katheryn at First Pres and Sunnyside. Some fun, some insightful, some work-related. Katheryn helped me get my bearings as I led Local Missions Committee many years ago, and continued to support our Personnel Committee. I recall like yesterday helping to "throw" her retirement party at First Pres, only to (fortunately!) be able to continue to be blessed with her presence at Sunnyside as I visited my mother. Appreciated so much her yearly birthday cards and tried to match her memory with (not as frequent!) leap year birthday cards to her! Competent, caring, knowledgeable and kind, Katheryn's smile and hugs were unmatched. I'll forever recall how her eyes would light up as she saw me and always asked how I and my family were doing. I am confident that God said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" as He welcomed Katheryn into his arms in heaven.
Cheri and Vic Smith
October 22, 2021
What a lovely lady, friend, and professional. We are so thankful to have known Katheryn and her family. God has welcomed a beautiful spirit!
Suzanne Vance
October 22, 2021
I simply cannot imagine the number of people Katheryn touched during her years of ministry at First Pres and Sunnyside. I'm grateful to have been one of them, as I well remember being a new member at First, and volunteering to help with the children's ministries there. Katheryn got me up to speed then and kept me straight for as long as she was there. I will miss her, a lot. My love and sympathy to her family and friends, most especially her children and grandchildren. She loved you fiercely and I always admired her for that among so many other things. God Bless you all.
Bill Vance
October 21, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of Katheryn’s passing. She was a wonderful person who I had a lot of respect for. I enjoyed working with her and being a small part of her life. She will certainly be missed by many.
Lisa Thacker
October 18, 2021
I am so saddened by Katheryn's passing. I so enjoyed working with Katheryn. Such a blessing to know. May God Bless the family at this sad time.
Sandy Turner
October 17, 2021
Today I learned the sad news of Kathryn's passing, catching up while being out of town this past week. I am truly sorry for your loss. I worked at Sunnyside and she was such a joy! Always had a hug & a brilliant smile! Generous too, always wanting you to help yourself to the big bowl of candy; a permanent fixture on her desk. I loved her! My condolences to the family. A sad loss, but what a bonus for Heaven! RIP Kathryn!
Chaplain Will Lowrance
October 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that upon returning to town this Sunday I learned of Katheryn’s death. We worked together at Sunnyside and she was a wonderful colleague assisting me while I served as chaplain there for 3 1/2 years. She kept me up on everything that I needed to know there and on occasion she invited me to pray for Elizabeth and her daughterMelvin jr and his new found life.My heart is heavy in hearing of her death.No more of those trips to Franklin to see her dentist and to get her hair doneor to mow a summers worth of grass around what she called her cabin. My prayers to you and all of your family and to all of us who know that we’re somewhat less with out her good soul greeting us at that Sunnyside entrance.
Chaplain Will Lowrance
Linda Wilson
October 15, 2021
Heartbroken, just heartbroken. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Patsy Zirk (Worked ar Carter Bank & Trust)
October 15, 2021
With my sincere thoughts and deepest sympathy to all the family. Will keep you in my prayers.
Cindy and Greg Bennett
October 15, 2021
We are just heartbroken!! We are sorry for your loss. We will keep you’ll in our prayers
Karen Wigginton
October 15, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I knew Katheryn for many years through both First Pres and Sunnyside. She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.
Beverly Miller
October 15, 2021
I have lost a dear friend. I have known Katheryn for many years. When I retired from the City of Harrisonburg I took the job of Treasurer of First Pres. Church. Katheryn was the administrative assistant at the church. That was a perfect part time job for me and became closer friends with Katheryn and Elizabeth, who also was employed there. After seven years I retired again. My husband, Bobby, Katheryn, Melvin Sr. and I started going out to eat together.
We did this once a month and stopped several years ago when Bobby was unable to enjoy our get togethers. We continued emailing and keeping in touch.
She will be missed by many friends and family. God Bless her wonderful family.
Cathy Slusher
October 14, 2021
My deepest sympathies to you all. Kathryn was a good friend, as I knew her best at First Pres. She was wonderful to work with and I know she will be missed. What a wonderful lady!
Roberta McCorkle
October 14, 2021
It seems Katheryn was always a presence in my life—at First Presbyterian and at then at Sunnyside. After my mother died and my father moved to assisted living Katheryn told me he would come by every afternoon to sit and chat. After my father died I continued to visit friends at Sunnyside and it was always to wonderful to see her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl and Rick Chandler
October 14, 2021
Our son is at Sunnyside and whenever we wheeled him by Katheryn’s desk, she would immediately get up and approach him with loving conversation. Please know that her family is in our prayers, as we join you in remembrance.
Cordelia Beasley
October 14, 2021
Katheryn was a very special lady to our family. My mother, Lil Miller, a resident at Sunnyside and my family had known her since her first day working at Sunnyside and before that from First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg. Our lives were made more beautiful by her loving and caring personality. Katheryn always had a hug for us when we came to visit and our hearts are heavy that we won’t see her again in this life. But we know we will be together again in heaven! She is praising God now. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of her family members now. May God grant comfort and peace to all.
Bernie & Anita Elmore
October 13, 2021
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Doris Dahmer
October 13, 2021
My deepest condolences to the entire family at this difficult time. I remember Katheryn as a kind and caring lady. She would always invite me to her home for a delicious supper when her Aunt Ruth (my cousin) came to Harrisonburg. She will be greatly missed.
Michael, Anne, Andrew and Ashley Landes
October 13, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time.
Renee McCulloch
October 13, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Katheryn's passing! She was a sweet woman who was always helpful and kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be greatly missed!
Miranda Robertson
October 13, 2021
Katheryn was a sweet woman. I enjoyed chatting with her each morning. She will be greatly missed. Thank you for teaching me so many things. Prayers and comfort sent to the family.
Lindsey Shifflett
October 13, 2021
I enjoyed working with Katheryn at Sunnyside. She was a wealth of knowledge and always greeted me with a smile. Several of our residents have told me how much they'll miss her and how they enjoyed being able to go down to the lobby and visit with Katheryn. My thoughts are with her family and friends during this time.
Darlene Cales
October 13, 2021
In loving memory of my sweet friend and confidant. I will miss you greatly. Rest in peace.
I pray for comfort and strength for the family. Know that you are wrapped in love and prayers.
Jenna Smith Dull
October 13, 2021
Katheryn was a mainstay at First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg and a friend to all. Her warm smile was something you could always depend on, as well as her razor-sharp memory, competence and thorough professionalism. My loving thoughts and prayers go out to Elizabeth, Melvin, and Melvin, Jr. May God comfort and keep you in this time. I know Katheryn is home with her Father.
Dale Lam
October 13, 2021
Bennett family - so sorry to read of Katheryn's passing. I am a long time member of First Presbyterian and enjoyed working with Katheryn over the years. My Mother was at Sunnyside and I always enjoyed seeing Katheryn as I entered the door to visit. She was a kind and loving person and I am sure she will missed. Wishing you many happy memories. Dale Lam
Leigh Crumrine
October 13, 2021
Katheryn's wit and good cheer always made me smile, sending comfort to her family and a hug to Melvin~
Vickie Vance
October 13, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, now and in the days to come. May you find comfort in all your memories. In deepest sympathy. Sam and Vickie Vance, Ryan Vance and Family
Alicia Weaver
October 13, 2021
I was heartbroken to hear the news of Katheryn's passing. My deepest sympathies and prayers to her loved ones. May you find comfort in your memories of the joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. She will be missed by so many.
CARMA HUFFMAN
October 13, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I thought the world of Katheryn she will be missed! Until we meet again.
Tom
October 13, 2021
Katheryn’s management of the bustling Corson Lobby was a joy to experience — her gifts of competence and compassion modestly offered to one and all. Many will miss her friendship.
Pam Boggs
October 12, 2021
My sympathies and prayers to Kathryn’s loved ones. I knew Kathryn all my life and enjoyed talked to her on the rare times I saw her in recent years. So sorry to hear this news.
Mabel Mick
October 12, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Love & Prayers to Melvin and family
Rosemary Critzer
October 12, 2021
Katheryn was always so kind and helpful to me. She was one of the first employees that I met when I moved to Sunnyside. She will really be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew her.
Aretha and Tom Kees
October 12, 2021
How sad that Katheryn has passed away. Our prayers are with Melvin and the others in her family. May your memories of her bring you much comfort. Aretha (Champ) and Tom Kees
Peggy Kile
October 12, 2021
We were sorry to hear about Katheryn. Our Mom Phyllis worked with her at the church. She was a nice lady. Phyllis Joseph, Diane Wisman & Peggy Kile
Shirley Parsons
October 12, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. May God bless and comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow. I graduated from CHS with Kathryn.
Carole Rexrode
October 12, 2021
Katheryn was a sweet lady. I worked with her at Sunnyside. My condolences to the family. Katheryn has gained her wings into eternal life.
Mike and Cynthia Yokum
October 12, 2021
So sorry to hear of Katheryn's passing. Praying for the family to be comforted by the many memories of her life.
Brenda Sponaugle-Allen
October 12, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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Oct
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Basagic Funeral Home - Franklin826 Blue Gray Trail POB 215, Franklin, WV 26807
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Basagic Funeral Home - Franklin826 Blue Gray Trail POB 215, Franklin, WV 26807
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Basagic Funeral Home - Franklin826 Blue Gray Trail POB 215, Franklin, WV 26807