Russell James Benner

Russell James Benner, 92, of Sellersville, PA, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at Grandview Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Russell was born on February 24, 1933, in Spinnerstown, PA, the son of Luther and Eva (Shick) Benner.

Russell graduated from Quakertown High School in 1951. He joined the Army in May 1953 and completed basic training at Ft. Benning in Georgia just as the Korean War ended and was honorably discharged in 1954. Russell married his high school sweetheart Shirley Bartholomew while on leave on December 26, 1953. They enjoyed 71 plus years of marriage.

Russell was a 66-year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, joining May 1, 1959, and retiring from active labor on January 1, 1994. One of his greatest accomplishments was spending time during evenings and weekends for 2 years to build a new family home in Quakertown.

Russell especially loved camping with the family in their motor home, watching his sons play Little League baseball, square dancing, spending many retirement winters in Ft. Meyers, Florida, doing jigsaw puzzles, rooting for the Phillies, and playing chair volleyball. He and Shirley were able to travel, managing to visit all 50 states.

He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Richlandtown where he served in many areas and most recently was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and dear friend to many, always willing to give his time to help.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sister, Nina Buck (Leonard Buck); his children, Timothy (Susan Stewart), Todd (Robin Diehl), and Terry (Wendy Smith); and six grandchildren, Crystal, Aaron (Erin McCane), Ryan, Meredith (Max Feld), Gillian, and Olivia.

All are invited to visit with Russell’s family on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, from 10:00 ~ 11:00AM, located at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. (215-536-3343) A memorial service will begin at 11:00AM.