Obituaries
Brenda Kay Esbenshade, 63
January 17, 2026
Brenda Kay Esbenshade, 63, of Ronks, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at LGH. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Clair and Sue (Skripek) Benton. She was the wife of John Esbenshade, with whom she shared over 16 years of marriage.
She worked at the former Revere Tavern and Best Western hotel for over 39 years. Brenda loved trips to NYC, Northeast Maryland, and Ocracoke Island. However, nothing compared to her love of cruises and her trip to Jamaica with her husband John. Brenda was also known for never being afraid to try something new in the kitchen and sharing recipes with her friends and family.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Sarah Peck, Dane and Monica Peck, Jack Esbenshade and Dan and Kiley Esbenshade. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Alexandria, Gema, Brealyn, and Malea.
In keeping with Brenda’s wishes there will be no formal services, private friends and family service will be held at a later date… In lieu of flowers, contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Condolences to the Family
January 28, 2026
John, I’m so sorry for your loss! When my Mom told me, I was so sad. I have great memories of dancing with you and Brenda when I was just a little kid at Stoney Point. I hope you all find peace!
Ivy Fetterman (Lunt)
January 26, 2026
John Im so very sorry for your loss! Kim Geib
January 25, 2026
John, so sorry for your loss. Your friend always.
Chuck Fisher
January 25, 2026
Steve and Mary Anne Petersheim and Family, We are deeply sorry for the loss of Brenda. Brenda was taken far too soon, and our hearts ache for the family. It has been an honor to be your neighbors and to help care for the property over the past couple of years. My wife Mary Anne will never forget her kind words and the time she spend with her when she cleaned there house every week. We truly valued that time and the connection it brought. As neighbors we have been more than just neighbors, It was always existing to meet her, We would be mowing the grass and Brenda would wave to us and always had a smile, It will truely be something missing with not having her as a neighbor. To her husband, John, you are a very strong and kind person, please know that we are greiving with you John. We just love hearing from you and and it is our bigest joy to be able to help out as much as possible over this time and as time goes on. There are no words that can truly ease a loss like this, especially after all you have already been through. Please know that you are not alone. We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers, and we grieve alongside you. Your strength, your heart, and the way you continue to show up for your family do not go unnoticed. Even in this season of deep sorrow, you are surrounded by people who care about you and want to walk with you—one day at a time. We are honored to be your neighbors and friends. Please continue to lean on us whenever you need anything at all, whether it is help, company, or simply someone to listen. May God give you peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead.
January 23, 2026
I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to all of you and I wish we would have stayed in touch. She was one of a kind. Blessed be.
Michael Work
January 23, 2026
Sarah and Dane, and the Ebenshade children ~ Losing Brenda so young and quickly is difficult. For a woman so full of life it’s hard to imagine her not with us. And I’m so sorry I hadn’t seen her in a few years, but we did catch up in the summer. She raved about Alexandria! She was only a few years older than me, but given her life situation she spanned the divide between my and my parents’ generations – we will all be less without her bond in our family. I know my mom, in particular, kept her in a special place in her heart. I look forward to our celebration time together and we must spend time talking about her and your grandmother. And we need to keep in touch better. John, I’m so sorry for your loss! You and Brenda had a connection that was nice to see. And I’m so happy she felt safe with you, and your family embraced her. Already missing the sweet corn and conversation she brought up to us once a year, and the laughter around the campfire some of us shared! Brenda may have been a complicated woman, but she lived her life on her terms the best she could, and I’m going to miss her dearly! Take care of yourselves knowing she loved you deeply in her own way. I know you’ll find memories to cherish. Love you, ~ Karen (Hall) Andrus-Smith
January 22, 2026
John, Chris and I are so sorry about this I just heard the news unbelievable please feel free to call or stop over anytime and if there’s anything that we can do to help please let us know. Love Reid and Chris Coyle
January 22, 2026
Sarah,Dane,John: We are so very shocked to hear of Brenda’s death. We weren’t aware that she had been ill. We last saw her at Dane and Monica’s wedding. We missed her and John at the family reunions the last couple years. We always stopped at the Revere Tavern to see her on our way to the NASCAR races in Dover. Rest in peace Brenda. Your 1st cousin Eddie and wife Barbara Skripek
