Bennetta M. Shelly

Bennetta M. Shelly, 94, of Manheim, died peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at the Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late William R. Sr. and Mabel D. Hendrix Gates. A homemaker, she was the loving wife of the late Ray S. Shelly who died in October of 1994. Bennetta was a faithful and active member of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Manheim. Her interests included: cooking, baking, watching golf tournaments, and was passionate in watching the three major horse racing events: The Kentucky Derby, The Belmont Stakes and The Preakness Stakes. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister; and cherished the time she spent with her extended family.

Surviving are two daughters, Bonnie L. Hill of Manheim, Susan M. wife of Timothy Bowers of Thornville, OH, three grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, two brothers: Thomas G. husband of Jean Gates of Manheim, William R. Gates Jr. of Lancaster, a sister, Mary Zinn of Burlington, NC, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death is a son, Jay R. Shelly, and a sister, Jane Bruckhart.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bennetta’s funeral service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Manheim Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Bennetta’s memory to Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 48 Market Square, Manheim, PA 17545.