Raymond Lee Bense

BENSE---Raymond Lee, 83, Windber, died peacefully on March 25, 2024 at St. Jude’s Haven, Elton. Born May 26, 1940, in Ashtola son of William Henry and Mildred Gladys (Carpenter) Bense. Preceded in death by parents, high school sweetheart, loving wife and partner of 46 years, Rosemarie A. (Leone) Bense, whom he married June 19, 1965; loving older brother, Edward Vose Bense, loving younger brother and best friend, William P. “Pat” Reed and devoted high school buddy and fellow antique car lover, Mearl McDannell. He really missed his two devoted dogs, Taylor and Daisy. Survived by daughter, Victoria Lee, wife of Daniel Hiteshew, Windber; granddaughter, Olivia Reed Hiteshew who called him “Poppy,” brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Erino and Marianna Leone, Romney, WV; niece, Mia Leone, Romney, WV; Aunt, Mary Jane Zimmerman; Uncle, Robert Smeal, niece and nephews, Raymond Zimmerman, Brian Smeal (Darren), Patty Rae Naylor (Justin) and Vincent Smeal. Also survived by close friends whom we love as family, Joe Halkovich, Greg Kraycirik, Tammy Roberts, Sheri Bilak, Patti Bevan, Dave Rowser and Debra McDannell. Raymond “Ray Bense” was a 1958 graduate of Windber High School. During high school and for a few years after, he worked at the gas station owned by Bob Carville across from the Stone Hotel in Windber. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served at Fort McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked in the motor pool as a mechanic and General's driver. He was proud to be selected as a rifle bearer member of the Third Army Honor Guard, which performed ceremonial and funeral duties. During his evenings while in the service, he worked at an amusement park near the Army base. In 1999, he retired from the Hiram G. Andrews Center after 30 years of service. Raymond was currently in the process of completing the frame-off restoration with Joe of his beloved first car, his 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe that he bought when he was 16 years old. The Coupe, nicknamed "Henry," is the car he drove to pick up Rosemarie for senior prom, as well as to drive her to her Windber High School graduation. Raymond enjoyed auctions, antiquing and the camaraderie of hunting with his older brother, Edward and family friend, Dave Rowser. He had a passion for the simple things in life like exploring the woods of the mountain, a cool drink of water from the spring at Crum or time spent at his garage. Some of the best times he had were walking the miles and miles of vendor spaces at the AACA Hershey National Fall Meet with Victoria and Greg over many, many years. He always made sure they had a haul of chocolate for friends and family back home. Raymond’s family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland and again from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Joe Brown officiating. Private Committal, St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery, Windber, with military graveside rites accorded by Windber VFW Post #4795 ritual team. Victoria would like to thank the late Dr. Samuel Massoud and his staff, Dr. Charles Oschwald and his staff, Richland Woods staff, St. Jude's Haven's staff, the late Dr. David Borecky and his former staff and Dr. Pat Gray for all of the superb care over the years. The help he received over the years will be remembered forever. The compassion and support of Mary Ann Ramires and 365 Hospice, Lexi Ramsdorfer and the staff of St. Jude's Haven made the last days of his life here on earth peaceful. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8