Benjamin R. Towles

Benjamin Ross Towles was extraordinary. On March 19, 2017 the world lost a very strong and courageous young man. In his short life he touched so many with his smile, his wit, his personality and his unwavering will to live.


Benjamin Ross Towles was born on June 7th, 1994 to Michelle R. Reff. When Ben was three months old his dad, Joseph C. Reff, came into his life. Ben attended South Jefferson Central School where he made life long friends. He loved wrestling, video gaming, learning useless facts, spending time with his family and of course, hanging out with his beloved dog Scrappy.


At age 16 Ben was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma. Through the years Ben endured extensive treatments, procedures and surgeries. He fought and beat cancer twice. Still, during his treatments Ben was able to graduate, get his license, participate in Relay For Life Events, and with an entire community behind him he continued to fight for six long years.


In 2014 Ben and his family moved to Dandridge, Tennessee where Ben continued to endured setbacks related to the cancer. Ben did not complain. He handled what was dealt to him with such grace and always treated his nurses and doctors with the utmost respect, all with a smile on his face. His quick wit and snappy comebacks were a part of who Ben was.


For whatever reason, Ben paid a debt he did not owe.


In his life Ben truly loved his devoted soul mate, Abby Helen Ferendzo. Abby made sacrifices in her life to be by Ben’s side, also without complaint. The two shared an amazing love. Abby was by his side through everything and was holding his hand during his last breath. Ben’s family is forever thankful to her for that.


In passing, Ben leaves behind his mother and father, Michelle R. and Joseph C. Reff, Dandridge Tennessee; his brothers, Jaycee Reff and Logan Towles; his beloved Abby Ferendzo; his maternal grandparents Joe and Barb Biadasz, Plover Wisconsin; his paternal grandmothers JoAnn Reff, Dexter New York and Bonnie Towles, Adams New York; countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.


The funeral service will be 11:00am Monday, March 27th at the Life Church of the Nazarene, 535 Thompson Blvd. Watertown. Ben will be laid to rest in Dandridge Tennessee with his family. Calling hours will be Sunday, March 26th from 4-8 pm at the church.

Thank-you to all who have supported, loved, and did “Believe in Ben” for so long.

Benjamin remains are resting at Carppenter-Stoodley Funeral Home, 7883 New York State, Route 289, Belleville, New York 1361...Phone: 315-846-5211