Ken Hershey, 89, died Monday, January 9th, at home in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont. Ken was born on January 7, 1934, in Lancaster, PA to Clyde and Lila Good Hershey.

Raised on a family farm, Ken finished school after eighth grade, and began working full-time on local farms. At the age of 23 he decided to return to school, and with determination was able to pass the GED and enroll at Eastern Mennonite College, eventually graduating from Millersville University.

After college he worked for two years in Germany, volunteering with PAX, a Mennonite church agency, to build houses for war refugees. Upon return to Pennsylvania, he met Joanne Shenk. They soon married and moved to Bridgewater, Vermont. He built the home they were to live in for over 50 years and started a home building business.

In retirement he regularly volunteered at Bethany Birches Camp, mowing the extensive grounds for the next 15 years. He enjoyed using the tractor, which reminded him of times on the farms he worked on in his youth.

Ken was known for having an easygoing nature and being generous with his time helping family and neighbors. He had a deep faith that he often expressed by leading worship services at church and especially through singing with his strong, bass voice.

He loved working outside, exploring the hills and forests of Vermont with his family, gardening, and volunteering. He often sang while he worked.

Ken is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joanne; daughter Denise (Phil Lapp) of Sharon, Vermont; son David (Kris Koehne) of Colchester, Vermont; daughter Tanya (Billy Sneed) of Ripton, Vermont; grandchildren Annabel and Becket Lapp; Benjamin, Clara, Lila, and Rachel Hershey; and Berend Sneed; and sister Betty Frey of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Ken is predeceased by his sister Janet and brothers Edwin and Melvin.

Those wishing may make memorial donations to Bethany Birches Camp, 2610 Lynds Hill Road,
Plymouth, Vermont, 05056.

A service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Bethany Mennonite Church in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family, an on-line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com