Obituary of Tammie Renee VanBenschoten

Tammie Renee VanBenschoten, 59, of Westmoreland, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 16, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family. Tammie was born on January 6, 1962, to the late Elon “Red” and Patricia (Eberly) Houghtaling. She was raised in Westmoreland with her three brothers. She graduated Westmoreland schools and went on to become a registered nurse, finishing her nursing career working for the Masonic Home. Tammie was united in marriage to the love of her life, Rodney VanBenschoten, on June 28th1980, in Westmoreland. They went on to start a beautiful family of their own. Tammie loved life, especially her family and her Lord. She was lovingly referred to as “Amma” by many, including her whole family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all. She was a deacon, volunteer, and very active member at the Living Faith Bible Church in Sauquoit. Tammie loved spending time with her family, whether it was camping at Hinckley, traveling to Connecticut as a traveling nurse and bringing her family along for the ride, or just cooking for everyone. She was an animal lover through and through, from watching the birds and chipmunks at her feeders to caring for her canine companion Athena and her feline companion Pinky. She loved to spend time outdoors, especially in her garden. Tammie will be greatly missed by her husband of 41 years, Rodney VanBenschoten; her children and their spouses, Jennifer VanBenschoten, Jessica & Sal Grande, Joanne & Walter Bergen, Jason & Bethany VanBenschoten, Kayla Phillips (Shaday Sarracent); her brothers & their spouses, Mark & Rita Houghtaling, Wallace & Marjorie Houghtaling, Steven & Bonnie Houghtaling; her mother-in-law, Gertrude VanBenschoten, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several family and friends. She was predeceased by a sister, Lynn Houghtaling. All are invited to honor Tammie’s life on Sunday, January 9th at the Living Faith Bible Church in Sauquoit, NY. The dedication to Tammie’s memory will be part of the weekly service beginning at 10:30am. The Celebration of Life fellowship will follow. Arrangements entrusted to Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service. Flowers are welcome; donations can be made in Tammie’s name to the Living Faith Bible Church, 2922 Oneida Street, Sauquoit, NY 13456.