M. Berneda Denniston

     Berneda Denniston, age 87, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Sunrise Senior Living in Plano, Texas.
      Berneda was born on April 6, 1939, in Lansing, Michigan, to Ray Vern and Mary (Kauffman) Benson. She was raised in a loving Christian home where her faith began early in life and remained the foundation that guided her throughout the years.
     Berneda attended Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana, where her lifelong journey with Charles Denniston truly began.  Although Berneda and Charles first met in high school, their relationship grew through letters exchanged while Charles served in the military and Berneda attended college. Their long-distance courtship led to marriage in 1963 and a beautiful partnership built on faith, love, family, and service to others.
      Together, Chuck and Berneda built a wonderful life and were blessed with three children: Kirk, Paul, and Ella. When Chuck accepted an opportunity to move to Texas and begin work at a small Christian college, Berneda faithfully embraced the journey alongside him. What began as a new opportunity became a ministry and career that lasted 44 years. 
      Berneda devoted 40 years of her life to elementary education, where she lovingly nurtured, encourage, and taught countless children throughout her career. Teaching was never simply a profession to Berneda---it was part of who she was. Her patience, kindness, and caring spirit impacted generations of students and families.
      Her faith, love for family, and servant’s heart were evident in every area of her life. Berneda especially treasured time spent with her family and took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. 
     Like every family, the Denniston’s experienced season of hardship, including the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Ella Marie Edminston. Yet through both joy and sorrow, Berneda remained steadfast in her faith and continued to be a source of strength, encouragement, and love for those around her. 
     Berneda also had a special gift for preserving memories. She loved taking photographs and carefully organizing them into photo albums. Over the years, she created more than 150 albums, many of which were lovingly shared with family and friends. Through those albums, Berneda preserved countless precious moments and the stories of the people she loved most. 
     Many who knew Berneda will remember her often saying, “I am blessed.” Those words reflected not only how she viewed her own life, but also the way she made others feel through her kindness, generosity, faith, and devotion.
      She is survived by her husband, Charles Denniston, children, Kirk Denniston of Allen, Texas, and Paul Denniston of Studio City, California; her grandchildren, Travis Schubert, Blake Edminston, and Kyle Edminston; along with many extended family members and dear friends who loved her deeply. 
     She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Ella Marie Edmiston, her parents, Ray and Mary Benson, and many loved ones who welcomed her into eternal peace.
      Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held at East Washington United Brethren Church, Ashley, Michigan, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:30 A.M., with a luncheon immediately following the service. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star Twp., Michigan, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via Facebook Live through the Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook page. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather for an informal celebration of Berneda’s life at the home of John and Carol Denniston in Ashley, Michigan, where food, fellowship, and shared memories will continue into the evening. The family deeply appreciates the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time and welcomes all who wish to join in celebrating Berneda’s life and the lasting impact she had on so many people. 
     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.