Thursday, March 28, 2024

Joann Mary Vonada Benner Eberhart

Name of Deceased Joann Mary Vonada Benner Eberhart
Age 84
Date of Death 05/01/2021
Date of Birth 01/12/1937
Funeral Home Wetzler Funeral Home

Joann Mary Vonada Benner Eberhart, 84, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Born on January 12, 1937 in Walker Township, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Ida (Hoy) Vonada. On June 1, 1956, she married Bruce Benner, who preceded her in death on September 13, 1981. On July 11, 1998, she married Daniel Eberhart, who survives at home after sharing nearly 23 years of marriage together. 

In addition to her husband, Dan, she is survived by five children, Lynne Johnson (Mark) of Howard, Rose Ripka (Walter) of Spring Mills, Jacqueline Metropoulos (Matt) of Longmeadow, Mass, Bruce Benner of State College, and Beth Brunnhuber (Steve) of Altoona, and three step-children, Linda Yarnell (Steve) of Bellefonte, Sharon Barger (Rick) of Spring Mills, and Carol (Everett) Spicer of Bellefonte; 17 grandchildren: Emily Johnson, Adam Johnson, Mitchell Ripka, Daniel Ripka, Blake Metropoulos, Morgan Metropoulos, Alec Metropoulos, Joshua Johnson, Mackenzie Brunnhuber, Seth Brunnhuber, Adam Yarnell, Jeff Yarnell (Tracy), Kelly Ronk, Todd Barger (Crystal), Tammy Ronk (Dale), Jessica Spicer, and Brian Spicer (Christina), and numerous great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Donald Vonada (Sandy) of State College, and Gary Vonada (Judy) of Milesburg. 

In addition to her parents and first husband, Bruce, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lori Benner, on December 7, 2005, and her sister, Shirley James, on January 19, 2015. 

Joann was a 1955 graduate of Walker Township High School. She was raised on the family farm in Hublersburg, and continued farming with her first husband for 25 years. She worked as a word processor for Raytheon from 1974 until her retirement in 1998.

Joann was a life member of New Hope United Methodist Church, formerly Axemann United Methodist Church, where she played the piano and organ for over 50 years. She was an active church member, sang in the choir, served on numerous committees, and was a member of the Ladies Aid group. She always looked forward to meetings with the ladies and built many lifelong friendships through this group. Joann also enjoyed quilting. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, Dan. More than anything, she treasured the times that she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

There will be a public viewing held on Friday, May 7, 2021, from 10am-12pm, at New Hope United Methodist Church at 1089 E. College Avenue, Bellefonte, PA 16823. The funeral service will follow at the church at noon with Pastor Robert Dornan officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Meyer Cemetery in Bellefonte. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joann’s memory to New Hope United Methodist Church at 1089 E. College Avenue, Bellefonte, PA 16823.