Obituary of Gertrude J. VanBenschoten

Gertrude J. VanBenschoten, 96, of Westmoreland, passed away at Oneida Healthcare on January 10, 2026. 

She was born in Rome on February 9, 1929, a daughter of John P. and Gertrude (Carmon) Ellinger.  On June 5, 1948, she was united in marriage to Leon VanBenschoten. They shared 47 years of marriage until his passing on October 28, 1995.  Gertrude was a devoted wife, mother, and member of the Westmoreland community who always put her family first.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren most of all. 

She is survived by her three children, Leon and Lynette VanBenschoten, Marsha and John Madore, and Rodney VanBenschoten; her grandchildren, Kurt VanBenschoten, Angela Crumb, Melissa Grant, Melinda and Matt Kugler, John Madore, Jace and Brittany Madore, Jennifer VanBenschoten, Jessica and Sal Grande, Joanne and Walt Bergen, and Jason and Bethany VanBenschoten; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Wilson Chandler, Alan, Taylor, Hailey, Kayla, Brooke, Jordan, Sarah, Alyssa, Issac, Kelsey, Bethany, Abbey, Abram, Vincent, Bella, Salvy, Lexi, Belle, Bristol, Teddy and Lucy; great-greatgrandchildren, Lucas, Sloane, Elena, Liam and Marcus Jr; her sister Mary Poupore, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, brothers William, Howard, Richard, James and John, her great-granddaughter Tiffany Mae, and her companion William Schnieble. 

Private services will be held for the family with burial at Westmoreland Cemetery. 

Please consider donations in her memory to the American Cancer Society. 

Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service.