Phyllis Louise Bensch of Oak Harbor was called to her eternal rest on Aug. 18 at her home at the age of 99. The daughter of Arnold and Esther (Hille) Krukemyer, she was born on July 2, 1922, on the family farm near Pemberville. On June 27, 1946, she married Carl Bensch of Oak Harbor, who preceded her in death in 2016. They operated a grain farm west of Oak Harbor for nearly 50 years following their marriage.

She is survived by sons, Alan (Gloria) Bensch of Tega Cay, S.C., and Arlyn (Candace) Bensch of Oak Harbor; daughter, Rhonda Biedlingmaier of Oak Harbor; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Suzanne) Bensch, David (Mackenzie) Bensch, Paul Biedlingmaier, Ryann (Brian) Blacka and Mark Biedlingmaier; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Vesper, Benjamin, Caldwell, Verity, Lily and Caleb. She also served as a mother figure to Nancy (Schultz) Knipper of Avon. Preceding her in death in addition to her husband were her parents; brothers, Warren and Paul; and granddaughter, Regan Biedlingmaier.

Phyllis was employed outside the family farm at the Ottawa County Agricultural and Stabilization Conservation Service office and as a grain clerk at the former Landmark and Lin-Mor elevators. She later worked on a part-time basis for Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory. Her hobbies included gardening and quilting, completing over 85 quilts following her retirement from full-time employment. She and Carl were charter members of the Krosstown Farm Bureau Council that met for 45 years to review and discuss agricultural policy. She was a life member of the Riverview Auxiliary and was also active in the former Ottawa County Culture Club.

Phyllis was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Rochester. She graduated from Webster High School in Scotch Ridge and was the only remaining member of her graduating class of 1940. After her marriage, she became a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Rocky Ridge. She faithfully served her church, whether it was as a Council member, Sunday School teacher or Ruth Circle member. She also sang in the choir and enjoyed making Lutheran World Relief quilts with the church’s sewing group for many years. Helping others served as a guiding force throughout her life.

Visitation for Phyllis was held Aug. 22, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor. The funeral service was conducted Aug. 23 at St. John Lutheran Church, Rocky Ridge, with Pastor Holli Burkard officiating and burial followed in Salem Township Union Cemetery in Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials for Phyllis go to St. John Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 69, Rocky Ridge, OH 43458; Luther Home of Mercy, P.O. Box 187, Williston, OH 43468; or the donor’s choice. Memories or online condolences may be shared with the family at: www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.