Mary Jane Bennett-Springard, 78, of Bedford, Pennsylvania went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Homewood at Martinsburg, Martinsburg.

Mary was born in Bedford on April 13, 1948, daughter of the late Lewis and Jane (Hook) Gates.

Mary is preceded in death by first husband Blair L. Bennett and second husband Gerald Springard.

She is survived by daughter- Ann wife of Kyle Seaman, of Phoenixville; two grandchildren: Benjamin and Lauryn; four step-children; and numerous step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; siblings: David Gates, of Duncannon, Robert Gates, of Middletown, Violet Dunn, of Schellsburg; Diana "Ruth" Miller, of New Paris; Jeff Gates, of Fredericksburg, VA; Dale Gates, of Osterburg; and Earl Gates, Mechanicsburg. Mary is preceded in death by brothers: Alan and Terry Gates.

Mary worked at the Department of Public Welfare as a case worker; she also worked at Chilcoats in East Freedom. She attended church at Pennwood Bible Church in Everett, where she often helped with meals at the church, Mary enjoyed reading, watching westerns and listening to music.

"The Lord is 1st then everything else."

A viewing will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 from 5-8 PM and on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 10-11 AM at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11 AM at Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford with Reverend Jonathan Hoard officiating.

Interment will be at Horne Church Cemetery, Alum Bank, PA.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford, Pennsylvania.