On November 1, 2016

Barbara F. Bench joined the love of her life (Husband Allen T Bench) in Heaven.  She started that journey surrounded by her loving family just as Allen had done in the same place twelve years before.

Barbara was born July 30, 1932, in San Francisco, CA. to Harold and Nola Pratt.

She grew up living in various cities in the west but really enjoyed living in Ballard, WA until her Dad started working at Hanford settling in Richland, WA.  In 1984 she moved to Kennewick to start her wonderful life with Allen and after his passing she continued to live in Kennewick next to Paula and just a few blocks from Nola, and Kara and Jared and Erin and all her great grandchildren.

 Barbara met and married Wilmer T Alderman in 1950. Together they had two daughters.  Nola was first and then eleven years later Paula was born.  Wilmer and Barbara divorced after 25 years.  Barbara then worked for many years out at Hanford doing various jobs but retired as a Security Clerk/ Escort. While working at Hanford she met and married the love of her life, Allen T Bench. 

Family was very important to Barbara and she and her mom and her grandmother and Nola (and Guy) all lived within blocks of each other around Wright street in Richland.  This really led to a closeness of the generations and made frequent get togethers easy.

She was a precious sole, a loving mom and a best friend.    

Barbara was a grandmother to Kara, Erin and Jared, then became a great grandmother to Tori, Ethan, Chloe, Alexis and Regann Barbara her name sake.  Last year she had the joy of becoming a great-great grandmother to Finn.

When Barbara and Allen retired they spent many months traveling around the United States in their 5th wheel then later their motor home. They enjoyed many beautiful bonfires and making friends with various people along the way.

They adopted a dachshund, Kristina, who became their world.  She went everywhere with them and was completely spoiled.

After Allen passed away, she stayed busy with her family and volunteering. She loved being able to help anyone she could.  Her smile was unmatched and her laugh contagious.  Her caring spirit was limitless.  She enjoyed volunteering at Sails Outlet for many years. Her other passion was animals.  Barbara would gather every blanket, towel, toy she could for the Humane Society.  Many trips were made there to donate trunks full of these items.  Barbara enjoyed gardening in her yard and loved her houseplants.

The past couple years she has enjoyed spending time with her family and her two dogs, Rufus and Brigette, who were both rescues.  She loved to watch wrestling and John Cena was her favorite of all time.  She was a huge Seahawks fan and loved the fact her grandkids and great grandkids were also huge fans.  She wouldn't allow anyone to leave her home without them knowing how much she loved them and made sure they got a hug and kisses. 

 Barbara is survived by her daughters, Nola Lobdell, Paula Moeller and Douglas Moeller, her step-daughter Deborah Snapp and Warren Snap, her grandchildren, Kara and Jim Kent, Erin Moeller, and Jared Moeller. Her great grandchildren Tori and Dillon McManamon, Ethan Clement, Chloe Clement, Alexis Clement and her precious Regann Barbara Kent and her great-great grandchild Finn McManamon.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her son in-law Guy Lobdell and the love of her life Allen Bench.

There are no words to describe how much she will be missed in all of our lives.  If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Meals on Wheels so they can be delivered to someone that could use a smile.  Or in lieu of flowers you can make a donation to the Benton County Humane Society.  

"Your wings were ready but our hearts were not, we will carry you with us, until we see you again."