Geraldine M. 'Jeanne' (Bennage) Teufel

LEWISBURG - Geraldine M. “Jeanne” (Bennage) Teufel, 92, was called to her heavenly home on July 24, 2013. She was a well-known resident of Watsontown for 58 years until January of 2006 when she moved to Rockwell Center in Milton. In October of 2010, she moved to RiverWoods Senior Living Community in Lewisburg where she resided until her death. She was born May 4, 1921 in rural New Columbia, and was the daughter of the late Albert and Mabel (Ranck) Bennage. She grew up as an avid tomboy and her Daddy’s helper on their farm. Geraldine was educated in Robin’s one room Country School and graduated from Milton High School with the class of 1937. At the age of 20, she graduated with the class of 1941 from Bucknell University as an English and French major. She taught from 1941 – 1951 in several Union County schools as well as teaching English, French and Social Studies for five years in Montgomery-Clinton High School. She married Lee M. Teufel in her home church of New Columbia Trinity Evangelical Church on October 2, 1945 with the Reverend Samuel A. Snyder, Jr. officiating. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage until his death on October 30, 1992. She began teaching Sunday School in her early teen years and continued for many years. She also taught children’s Good News Club in their Watsontown home. In April 1950, she transferred her church membership from the New Columbia church to Milton Evangelical United Brethren Church, now Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, where she served on various committees and boards, along with teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. She enjoyed playing hymns on the piano and was glad she could continue to play well into her late eighties in services at Rockwell Center. For many years, the Teufels visited shut-ins and conducted Sunday worship services in local nursing homes. Geraldine is survived by one son and daughter-in-law; John D. and Natalie (Truckenmiller) Teufel of Schnecksville, two daughters and one son-in-law; Lois J. Parde of Dillsburg and Joy L. and Gene Newswanger of Kempton, 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter; Patricia L. Shanahan, one brother; Stanley Bennage and one sister; Pauline Bennage Virgilio. There will be a public viewing 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2013 at the St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 102 Lower Market St., Milton, PA 17847 and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 20113 with the funeral being held at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Dale L. Hippensteel will officiate the service. Burial will follow adjacent to her beloved childhood family farm in the Highland Cemetery, New Columbia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church or the Good News Club, Inc. of Northumberland County, 53 Blue Hill Rd., Northumberland, PA 17657-8667. Arrangements are being handled by The Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front St., Milton.