Sent July 20, 2020

From Mary Pat's Facebook page:

It is with great sadness that I let you know that my husband, Ben Whitfield, died yesterday evening from a thyroid storm.  He was the kindest man I have known, and I am and will miss him terribly.  It is so fresh that I don't have details of funeral arrangements, or what is allowed with the Covid 19 issue.  Our family greatly appreciates your prayers.

Long time Pastor Mr. Ben Whitfield died last night after a long struggle with several health challenges. Betty and I will miss him and all the wonderful times we spent together. 

I just spoke to him a few days ago and he reminded me of a number of things, always with a dry sense of humor. He was very much at peace with everything. I will not soon forget his fun texts at times when I needed to be reminded, to stop, smell the roses and enjoy life, at the end of a long day at work!

It is always at times like this that we realize this life is temporary but we know that Ben is sleeping now peacefully waiting for the resurrection to glorious life in the not too distant future. Please pray for the family and especially his wife, MaryPat. We will miss him at the Feast this year!

Sincerely,

Rodger Bardo (602-910-1086) 

Pastor, Southern CA & Las Vegas Living Church of God

July 20, 2020

From Mary-Pat Whitfield:

Ben's funeral will be this Friday, July 24 at the Jacoby Funeral Home at 702 W Walnut St, in Rawlins, WY.  Visitation is from 11-1, with service starting at 1:00.  Internment will be at the Rawlins Cemetery following the service.   I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now, so please be patient with me in answering your encouraging comments.  I will shortly. Many of them have brought me to tears.  My Gentle Ben, or Big Ben...I so miss him.

Revised obituary for Ben Whitfield

Obituary

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Ben Whitfield of Rawlins, WY on Sunday, July 19th, 2020 at the age of 73.  Ben was born on January 10, 1947 in Jackson, Mississippi to Ben and Lucy Whitfield.  He received his master’s in education from Ambassador College in 1971 and ultimately operated a State Farm Insurance Agency for 41 years in Rawlins, WY.  On June 1, 1969 he married Mary-Pat Wassmer for a loving marriage of 51 years.  Together they raised 2 sons, Ben of Novato, CA and John of Three Forks, MT.

Ben had a passion for serving others.  He was actively involved in youth baseball, umpiring, scouting, Wounded Warriors, Rotary Club, summer youth camps, and faithfully serving God for 55 years.  He loved travel and spending time in the great outdoors where he was either hunting, working with his horses, taking a friend down the river, or teaching them the joys of skiing.  Above all, he was known for his kindness and ability to work with people of all ages.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Ben; his mother, Lucy; his sister, Johnnie-Marie; and his two brothers, Vernon and Robert.  He is survived by his wife, Mary-Pat; his two sons, Ben and John (Amber), and six grandchildren, Samuel, Thomas, Benjamin, Jack, Abigail, and Selah.

A visitation and funeral service will be held on Friday, July 24th at the Jeffrey Memorial Community Center, 315 W. Pine, Rawlins, WY.  The visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by the service at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will be immediately after at the Rawlins Cemetery.