Darla Benz

September 23, 1945 - June 3, 2020

Darla Sue Benz, of Batesville, was born on September 23, 1945, the fourth eldest child to Clifford and G. Kathryn Goldsmith Fichtner.

Darla married Hugh Benz on September, 2, 1974 at St. Louis Catholic Church and he preceded her in death on July 14, 2018. Darla worked at James River in Greensburg for many years in human resources. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends in the summer especially when everyone could enjoy the pool. Her home was always a spectacular display of flowers and holiday decorations. Darla loved the warm weather and running errands in one of the many convertibles she owned; her yellow Corvair and red Mustang were favorites. She and Hugh opened their hearts and home to the nieces and nephews treating them like their own; taking them on trips, traveling to multiple sporting events and providing moral support. They had several furry children over the years, including German shepherds, Braven and Snowball and a rescued miniature collie named Cody.

Darla was a member of the St. Louis Catholic Church, and the Immaculata Club. On Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at the age of 74, she passed away at St. Andrews Health Campus after a brief illness.

Those surviving who will cherish Darla’s memory include her siblings, Daniel Fichtner of Batesville, Ella (Daniel) Laker of Enochsburg, and Mary Mays, of Batesville; sister-in-law, Myra Miller of Mesa, AZ; brother-in-law, Denny Doerflinger of Greensburg, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Arlyn Sorce and Judith Schutte; one brother, Richard “Dick” Fichtner; two brothers-in-law, Michael Mays, and Jim Miller, and a sister-in-law, Joan Doerflinger.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church and burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for Aunt Darla Benz.