Robert Benfer Obituary

Robert Ryan "Bob" Benfer

Robert "Bob" Ryan Benfer, 68, of Willard, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at his home after a long, hard-fought battle with brain cancer. He was born Nov. 26, 1956, in Findlay.

Bob was a 1975 graduate of Seneca East High School and then went on to work for Spectrum Cable for 30 years before retiring. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Willard. Bob was an avid sports fan and could often be found watching the Cleveland Guardians and playing softball with friends. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed rides on his Slingshot with his wife, Valerie, in the summertime. His hobbies included cleaning and restoring antique cars, specifically his 1974 Camaro, a replica of his first car as a teenager. He enjoyed his summers helping his Uncle John Powell run the grain cart and trips with his children and grandchildren to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Robert is survived by his wife, Valerie, whom he married Aug. 13, 2010; and seven children, Stephanie (Jared) Dickerson of Norwalk and their five children, Kelsey, Riley, Levi, Reagan and Emery; Scott Benfer of Monroeville, and his three children, Logan, Evan and Addison; Holly (Ryan) Brownell of Norwalk and their four children, Caroline (Jacob), Lucas, Sicily and Ella; Rachelle (Ryan) Miller of Shelby and their three children, Grant, Owen and Chase; Ryan (Brittany) Benfer of Shelby and their daughter, Everly; Nicole Studer of Columbus; and Adam Studer of Columbus. Bob is also survived by his brother, Dan (Donna) Benfer of Republic and his sister, Antoinette Starling of Mesa, Arizona.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, who raised him, Laura and Daryl Powell of Republic and Dale (Mary) Benfer; and his brother-in-law, Robert Starling; and also a niece, Danielle Benfer; and a nephew, Danny Benfer.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Lindsey-Shook Funeral Home in Bloomville. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard. Burial to follow at Bismarck Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.