Clara Benker

Clara Fahrenkamp Benker, 94, passed from this life to be with the Lord on March 26, 2014 at Gazebo Terrace Rehabilitation Center in Brenham. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Washington, with Pastor Greg Felder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Friday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Clara was born March 3, 1920 in Washington, Texas to Fritz and Minnie Bohne Fahrenkamp. She was baptized April 18, 1920 and confirmed April 14, 1935 at Friedens Church in Washington, Tx. On September 25, 1943, she was united in marriage to Fritz Fred Benker, Jr. Clara attended the Brown''s Prairie public school in Washington. Along with the special roles she played in life as a wife and mother, Clara worked in the Holle & Wellmann general store for a number of years, and was a lifelong member of Friedens Church where she taught Sunday school. She was also a member of the Women''s Fellowship, and sang in the church choir. Clara loved to sing, and even though she was unable to attend church these last years, she enjoyed listening to church services on the television, and singing along with the radio or her CD''s. Another passion was to work in her vegetable garden when she was able, and just enjoy time spent out of doors. Mrs. Benker was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and six sisters. Survivors included her two sons and daughters-in-laws: Gene and Janice Benker of Georgetown, and Larry and Rose Benker of Brenham; daughter, LaNell Langford of Washington; grandchildren: David Benker of Brenham, Chad and Melanie Benker of Brenham, Michael and Candice Langford of College Station, Chad and Tiffany Sanford of Round Rock, and Ralph and Christin Gonzales of Cedar Park; 13 great-grandchildren: Blake and Madeline Benker, Brock, Harley and Bailey Benker, Hunter Avila, Barrett and Elliot Langford, Sage and Skyler Sanford, and Aiden, Gavin, and Brooklyn Gonzales. Memorials may be directed to Friedens United Church of Christ. Funeral arrangements for Clara Benker are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.