Vance "Sonny" W. Bensenhaver

Vance William “Sonny” Bensenhaver, Jr., age 90 of Petersburg, WV passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg, WV.

 Sonny was born on June 4, 1934 at Rig, WV and was a son of the late Vance William Bensenhaver and Goldie Elizabeth (Riggleman) Bensenhaver. 

In addition to his parents Sonny was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (Ours) Bensenhaver in 1986; one daughter, Christina Bensenhaver Cook; two sisters, Vista Jean Bensenhaver Ours and Carol Lee Bensenhaver Leeson; an infant brother, half- sister, Ila Louise “Petey” Bensenhaver Kemp; step infant granddaughter and step infant great granddaughter.   

 Sonny is survived by his wife, Shelby J. (Mongold) Ratcliff Bensenhaver; one son, W. Craig Bensenhaver of Petersburg, WV; three grandchildren, Jamie Cook, Jessica Moreno Salinas and husband Alex and Sterling Bensenhaver; six great grandchildren; Alexis Cook, Christopher Cook, Ana Hernandez, Jayden Cook, Alex Moreno Salinas, Layla Moreno Salinas; one great-great granddaughter, Fia Cook; three step children, Greg Ratcliff of Nottingham, MD, Sherry Zamudio and Pam Amato of Prescott, AR; nine step grandchildren and eleven step great grandchildren;  one brother, John C. Bensenhaver and wife, Margaret of Virginia Beach, VA; several nieces and nephews.

Sonny was a 1952 graduate of Petersburg High School.  He was a truck driver for various companies in Pennsylvania for several years and later retired from Petersburg Oil Company. Sonny was a member of Petersburg Memorial Covenant Brethren Church.  Sonny enjoyed traveling especially to Canada and California.  He cherished the time he  spent with family and friends.

According to Sonny’s wishes, his body was donated to the West Virginia University Human Gift Registry in Morgantown, WV.

 A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later time. 

Arrangements by Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg, WV.

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