Obituary of Ralph E. Lentz

Ralph E. Lentz, 72, of Elizabethtown, PA, peacefully entered the courts of God with singing and praise on Sunday evening, April 9, 2017 at his residence. Born in Conewago Twp., Dauphin County, he was the son of the late Lester S. and Elva M. Gantz Lentz. He was the husband of Miriam J. Frey Lentz for 52 years on June 28. Ralph was a lifelong member of Elizabethtown Mennonite Church where he was a dedicated usher. He was a 1962 graduate of Hershey High School and retired from Red Rose Transit after 26 years as a bus driver. Ralph competed in bus roadeos, taking 3rd place in the PA Regional Roadeo in 1994, 2nd place in the 1995 PAMTA Statewide Roadeo, and competing the same year in the International Roadeo in San Antonio, TX. In addition to collecting coins and seashells, he enjoyed traveling and flower gardening. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Lester E., husband of Kristin Morley Lentz, of Lancaster, Rita F., wife of Delmar Wenger, of Lancaster, Wanda J., wife of Jeff Sipe, of Middletown, and Jennifer L., wife of Robert Bender, Jr., of Elizabethtown; eight grandchildren, Anthony (Brandi) Wenger, Ashley Wenger, Audrey (Mike) Burkholder, Cory Lentz, Cheyenne Bender, John Robert Bender, Benjamin Lentz, and Abigail Lentz; a sister, Anna Jean Dorwart of Elizabethtown; a sister-in-law, Ruth Westenberger Lentz of Lititz. He was looking forward to his first great grandchild to be born this summer. He was also preceded in death by four siblings, John Henry Lentz, Wilma A. Slaymaker, Wilbur A. Lentz, and James A.L. Lentz. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Elizabethtown Mennonite Church, 300 South Spruce Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Interment will follow in the Elizabethtown Mennonite Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the church on Friday evening from 6-8:00 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to Masonic Village Hospice, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or to Elizabethtown Mennonite Church. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.