Melissa J. Bennett

Melissa J. Brodmerkel Bennett, 59, of Clarington, Jefferson County, formerly of Chicora, passed away Thursday evening, Dec. 2, 2021, at Penn Highlands Dubois Regional Medical Center.

Melissa was born in Kittanning on Jan. 1, 1962. She was the daughter of the late Jon “Butch” and Patricia Swartz Brodmerkel.

She was of the Protestant faith, and in her earlier years had attended St. Paul's Community Church. She was a graduate of Karns City Area High School and graduated from Lenape Vo-Tech in 1989 with a degree in licensed practical nursing. Melissa loved all animals, most especially elephants, and had decorated her house with elephants she had collected over the years. She also enjoyed collecting roosters, conversations on the telephone, and most especially the company of her dog, “Bullet.” Melissa was well-loved and will be greatly missed.

Surviving is a son, Benjamin B. Loose; a daughter, Pati E. Brodmerkel Taylor and her husband, Jeff, all of Butler; five grandchildren, Tyler, Ethan, Jocelyn, Sydnee and Raine; a brother, Jim Daye of Warren; her aunt, Carole Brodmerkel of Saxonburg; her cousin, Beth Brodmerkel Beeler and her husband, Dick, of Saxonburg, as well as a number of other cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Sennie Northime.

Bennett — Friends of Melissa J. Brodmerkel Bennett, who died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.

A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Floyd Barnhart, a United Methodist pastor, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Orphans of the Storm, 11878 SR 85, Kittanning, PA 16201.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.