It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Natalie Anne Volk-Rennekamp, 36, and her infant daughter, Clarissa Agnes Benham, who left us together on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Natalie was born on September 19, 1988, to David and Sandy (Weisenbach) Volk. Natalie worked at Baxter Industries in Batesville, Indiana. She was an active member of St. Catherine of Siena in Enochsburg. Natalie loved all aspects of farming and wasn’t afraid to get dirty. She loved fiercely and instilled the love of the outdoors and hard work in her boys through 4-H, FFA, and sports. Natalie was always humble and willing to help anyone in the community. Natalie often stretched herself thin doing things for her family, friends, and community. She had through the years assisted teaching religious education, had served on the youth football board, assisted in organizing class reunions, and has served in various other committees, clubs, and organizations throughout her life. She was great at documenting life through photos, Facebook posts, and record keeping. She loved cross-stitch, cooking, and cheering for her boys at their sporting events. She was great at throwing parties, and even those she didn’t throw herself she brought life to every party she attended. You didn’t need to know Natalie to talk briefly with her and feel as if you had been friends forever, for this and so many other reasons she will be greatly missed. She leaves a void behind in the community that won’t be filled and will be missed by so many more people than she could have ever imagined.
Natalie is survived by her significant other, Alex Benham; sons: Cletus Rennekamp, Elmer Rennekamp, Harold Rennekamp, Garrett Benham; mother, Sandy Volk; siblings: Doug (Stephanie) Volk, Jon (Samantha) Volk, Bill (Haley) Volk, Roger (Haylee) Volk, Andrea (Vince Fernandez) Volk; godchild and niece, Lydia Volk; other nieces: Mariah, Roselyn, Lucille, Catheleen, Luella, Atley, and Eliza Volk; nephews: Greyson Volk, Earl Volk, and Oden Fernandez; grandfather, Ray Weisenbach; grandmother, and Evelyn (Laker) Volk. Natalie was preceded in death by her father, David Volk; grandmother, Rose (Simmermeyer) Weisenbach, and grandfather, Cletus Volk.
Clarissa Agnes Benham was born on October 25, 2024. Though she graced our lives for only a short time, brought immeasurable joy and light to her mother and all who knew her.
Clarissa is survived by her father, Alex Benham; brothers: Garrett, Cletus, Elmer, and Harold; paternal grandparents: Gary (Anita) Merkel and Robin (Hope) Benham; maternal grandmother: Sandy Volk; maternal great grandparents: Evelyn (Laker) Volk, and Ray Weisenbach; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Clarissa was preceded in death by her grandfather, David Volk.
Family and friends will gather to pray the rosary on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home. A visitation for both Natalie and Clarissa will be held following the rosary from 2:30 PM till 8:00 PM, also at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Parish – Enochsburg with Father Bill Ehalt officiating. Burial will follow at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Cemetery in Enochsburg.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family, through the funeral home, to support the education cost of Cletus, Elmer, Harold, and Garrett. To leave online condolences please visit www.popfuneralhome.com.