Deborah Ann Bensinger

It is with heavy hearts that family announces the sudden passing of Deborah Ann Bensinger, 64, in Townsend, Montana. Deb passed peacefully on March 17, 2025.

Deb was a gift to everyone she knew- a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and “adopted mom” to many of her children’s friends. With her ever-present smile, she lit up the world around her. She had a deep love for nature, traveling, reading, and heartfelt conversations, never passing judgement and always ready to lend a helping hand. Above all, Deb cherished her family and the time spent with those she loved.

Born in Pottsville, PA, Deb grew up in Saint Clair, PA, where she graduated from Saint Clair Area High School in 1978. As a single mother for most of her life, she worked tirelessly to care for her children, teaching them valuable lessons along the way.

Deb found one of her greatest passions when she began working at Locust Lake State Park in 2001, a place that quickly became her second home. Deb loved the lake and all the people she became close to there. If you’ve ever gone to the contact station upon entering the park, you were met by her warm smile and wealth of information about the park. Debbie retired from the park in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of friendship, connection, and cherished memories.

Throughout her life, Deb also worked as a tax preparer and a part-time dispatcher for PENNDOT, a job that ensured no conversation with her ended without a weather update and a reminder to drive safely. Deb enjoyed her PENNDOT work family as well.

Debbie enjoyed hosting and organizing benefits for Operation Homefront for several years. As one of her sons was in the Navy, she felt especially passionate about helping other military families.

Deb was always a huge supporter of local, live music. This started with her love for music and grew when her oldest son became a musician in the area. You could always find Deb rocking out and becoming “band mom” to so many.

After retirement, Deb fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Montana, where she spent her final years surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren- a family she had previously only seen once a year. She made the most of this time crossing off bucket-list items including visiting Glacier National Park and witnessing the aurora borealis. She found joy in volunteering at Townsend Fall Fest, making new friends, and attending her grandchildren’s wrestling, track, and bowling events.

Deb was happy even in her hardest moments, and it brings her family comfort knowing how truly joyful she was in the time leading up to her passing.

Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Tray; father, Robert Bensinger; brother, Robert Bensinger; and grandmother, Elizabeth Bensinger.

Deb is survived by her four children and five grandchildren: Son- Frank Kline Jr. & Grandson- Dominic Kline of Schuylkill Haven, PA; Granddaughter & Grandson-in-Law- Zoie Gerlott & JD Gerlott of Jacksonville, NC; Son- Kevin Kline of Pottsville, PA; Son- Steven Kline, Daughter-in-Law- Renee Kline, Granddaughter- Annabelle Kline, Grandson- Ezekiel Kline, and Grandson due in June- Gabriel Kline, all of Townsend, MT; Daughter- Kerilyn Mamrosh of Pine Grove, PA.

Deb is also survived by three sisters and an uncle: Diane Miller & family of Delano, PA; Lori Scintilla & family of Drums, PA; Cheryl Peterson & family of Tooele, UT; and her uncle, Walter Lehan & family of West Hanover Township, PA.

Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends-turned-family will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Locust Lake State Park this summer, where all who loved Deb are welcome to honor and remember her. Details will be announced once finalized.

A special thanks from family goes to all staff at Billings Clinic Hospital for their compassion, care, and empathy. Another special thanks to Michelotti-Sawyers for their kindness and willingness to help during this difficult time.

To everyone who ever showed Deb kindness or love, thank you. She was an incredibly grateful woman who loved beyond measure. May she rest eternally in peace and in love.