Obituary of Benita J. Ference

Age 60, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  Benita was born in Las Vegas NV, daughter of the late Benjamin and Betty (Gittings) Jacobs.  She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jeffrey Ference; son Craig Ference with his wife Paige and their son Wyatt; son Major Connor Ference USAF with his wife Julianne and their children, twins Elliot and Brooks, Cary, and expecting another son; siblings, Judy Mustico (Don), Robin Jacobs (Virginia), Mark Jacobs (Patricia) and Laura Rorie (Jason); along with several nieces and nephews.  

Benita and Jeff had met while they were both living in Elmira.  After their marriage, they lived in several different cities while raising their two sons.  They settled back in Elmira 12 years ago.  Benita had worked as a paralegal for the Mustico Law Firm in Elmira. 

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A funeral service will follow at 4:15 p.m.  Those wishing may remember Benita with a donation to the American Cancer Society at, cancer.org/donate.html or the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, engage.mymsaa.org/donate.