Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Benjamin H. Lay

Benjamin H. Lay, age 82, of Mansfield and formerly of Madison Avenue in Shelby, died unexpectedly Sunday, August 12, 2012.

Ben was born March 24, 1930 in Shelby, the son of the late Floyd Andrew and Ethel (Swartz) Lay. He was a 1948 graduate of Shelby High School and spent his career as a supervisor at Carton Service in Shelby from where he retired in 1995 after 39 years of service. Ben was a member of the Southside Christian Church in Mansfield, the First Christian Church in Shelby, and was a charter member of the 164th Fighter Squadron Ohio Air National Guard at Mansfield Lahm Airport. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling.

Ben is survived by: a daughter: Brenda (Craig) Herb of Raleigh, NC; a son: David B. (Jody) Lay of Mansfield; 6 grandchildren: Emily Herb, Brandon Herb, Jeremy (Brandy) Lay, Amanda Lay, Benjamin (Helen) Lay, Andrew Lay (Kateryna Sellers); 2 great grandchildren: Gabrielle Lay and Brennan Lay; 2 sisters: Norma Stone and Alice Martin, both of Shelby. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Donna L. (Smith) Lay, on July 25, 2012; 2 infant daughters: Susan and Sandra Lay; a brother: Robert Lay.

Friends may call on Friday, August 17, 2012 from 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 PM with Rev. Brad McBee officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial expressions may be made to American Diabetes Association or Hearts and Hands for Haiti and left in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Guest says:

    The Family of::
    Ben Lay
    Your Name: :
    Rhonda Wicker
    Your Condolence Message::
    Brenda and David,
    My heart breaks for both of you and your families at such a great loss. Your dad was one in a million. I rejoice for Ben as I know he is happy, next to his beloved Donna. I am thankful for the chance to get to know him and each of you. You have been, and will continue to be in my prayers.

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    To The Family of::
    Ben Lay
    Your Name: :
    Julie Swanger Ensman
    Your Condolence Message::
    To all the family my sincere condolences in the loss of Ben. What a shock to you all, but I truly feel this is a testimony of your parents love to each other that they are now together in eternity as they would have wished. Two lovely people that adored their family above everything else. Please find peace in knowing they are together and looking down upon you all with smiles……
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    To The Family of::
    Benjamin Lay
    Your Name: :
    Frank and Jan Long
    Your Condolence Message::
    I had the privilege of friendship with both your parents from first grade onward. They were wonderful people in every way. You will have proud memories of them for the rest of your lives – the best of legacies.
    We send our warmest thoughts to you in this difficult time.
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    To The Family of::
    Ben and Donna Lay
    Your Name: :
    Mike Tarvin
    Your Condolence Message::

    Brenda, Dave and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I was so saddened to hear of your Mom’s death just two weeks ago. I was heading out to Germany when Dad told me about Donna. Later that week I was running along a beautiful trail that was high up on a ridge over looking the Rhine River when Donna and you came to mind. I prayed for you and especially Ben as I ran along that morning. As the sun came up over the hills and reflected on the water below I thought of the wonder of God and knew that your Mom was at peace and with God and now so is your Dad.

    I have such great memories of growing up in Shelby and so much of that is because of the wonderful people like your Mom and Dad. They always seemed to have a moment to talk and give me a friendly/loving word. I always loved coming over to your home on Madison and just spending time at the Lay house…or more likely running around between your house, the Thompsons and the Utz’s. You will remain in my prayers. God Bless and sustain you.

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    To The Family of::
    Ben Lay
    Your Name: :
    Evelyn Manderson
    Your Condolence Message::
    I was so sorry to read about Ben’s passsing. I live in
    Tower Lakes and really enjoyed Ben and Donna. I played bridge with Donna and had occasion to talk with them at the Y Silver Sneakers classes. They were a wonderful couple and will be missed. My deepest symphathy to the family.

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    To The Family of::
    ben lay
    Your Name: :
    jim & jean franklin (lyneham UK
    Your Condolence Message::
    We were so sad and shocked to hear that Ben had passed away so soon after he lost Donna.
    We like to think they are now happily together again,and hope this will help you at this sad time.
    We will always remember them both with much affection.

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    To The Family of::
    Donna and Ben
    Your Condolence Message::
    Happy Anniversary in Heaven!
    How would you like your message: :

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