Ferne E. Vensel

Ferne E. Vensel, 89, of Business 220, Bedford, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 26, 1924, in Harrisonville, a daughter of the late Howard C. and Grace E. (Cook) Brant. On December 24, 1942, in Cumberland, MD, she married Edward E. Vensel who preceded her in death on December 24, 1983.  She is survived by the following family: a daughter, Trudy L. wife of Carl Cseko; two sons, Nelson E. "Ted" Vensel married to the former Linda Hershberger, and Paul "Smoke" Vensel married to the former Dorothy Whitfield, all of Bedford; six grandchildren: Gretchen Nesmith, Gary Cseko, Stephanie Martz, Christy Kidd, Heather Kolander, and Scott Vensel; and 13 great-grandchildren: She was preceded in death by one grandson Michael Vensel; two brothers: Merrill Brant, and Harry Brant, husband of Mabel of Houstontown, who survives, two sisters: Evelyn Mort, and Lena Bergstresser.

Ferne was a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church, and retired in 1987 after 23 years from the former Johnstown Bank & Trust.  She was a member of the Bedford Elks Lodge #1707, Women of the Moose, Bedford American Legion Post #113 Auxillary for 55 years, and a 25 year member of the RSVP.  She was active with the Bedford Food Bank, and enjoyed golfing, sewing, and crafts.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bedford United Methodist Church, in Bedford, with Jim Miller officiating.  Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangement by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  In lieu of flowers those wishing may make donations in Ferne’s memory to: Bedford County Food Bank, 246 West John Street, Bedford, PA 15522.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.