Benney Haller

Benney Lee Haller, 74, died peacefully at home January 1, 2019, following an extended battle with interstitial lung disease and lung cancer.   He was born July 7, 1944, in Columbus, OH to the late Merle W. and Betty Ann (Skatzes-Cross) Haller. On August 28, 1965, he married his best friend, Margaret M. Schaeffing, who survives.   In addition to his wife Peg, he is survived by their four children: Michael (Carol) Haller, Dr. Patricia Haller (Bradley Smith), Nettina "Tina" Haller, Matthew (Jill) Haller, all of Chillicothe; grandchildren: Andrea, Benjamin, Nick and Daniel Haller, Bradyn Smith, and Meryl and Vincent Haller; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. He was predeceased by his parents; step-dad Robert Vogelgesang; a brother H. Timothy; and a sister Terryanne.   Benney was a graduate of Mendon Union High School, Class of 1962. Upon graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1966, he managed funeral homes in Coshocton and Canton, OH. At the age of 27, with three children under the age of 5, he and Peg made a bold decision to buy the former Heiby Memorial Home located on S. Paint St. in Chillicothe on Nov. 1, 1971. They would later realize a life-long dream to give back to the community that had supported them so graciously by building an entirely new funeral home at its current location on Western Avenue.   Among his many accomplishments and contributions to his community, he was a founding member of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Woody Hayes Sports Spectacular, founding member of the Ducks Unlimited Scioto Valley Chapter, Past-President of Jaycees, past member and Paul Harris Fellow of Chillicothe Noon Rotary, Ross Co. Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, and Mercator Club Man of the Year. He was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Chillicothe Country Club.   Besides his tremendous sense of humor and wit, many will remember him for his passion of Standardbred race horses, playing golf, hunting and fishing, and playing cards. His trademark "True Life Stories" brought out the laughter and he humbly reminded anyone on the course he was "Ross County's Best Putter!" Benney was happiest when surrounded with people, be it family, friends or consoling a family. His legacy will live on in the many hearts and lives he touched. The family is most appreciative of the care and compassion shown by Adena Hospice staff, the staff and doctors at Adena Cancer Center, caregiver Jamie Maddy and Dr. John Seidensticker, who together made sure he was able to be at home with family and comfortable.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Monday January 7, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Rev. Lawrence Hummer, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 2-6pm at his funeral home, where a wake service will be held at 6pm.   Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Flaget School Endowment Fund, C/O The Catholic Foundation, 257 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.
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