BENDER - Mary Arlene (nee Gerber) of Milverton, Ontario, passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her children, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the age of 89 years. Beloved wife of Delmar H. Bender, whom she married on September 17, 1955. Loving mother of Barry Bender and his wife, Denise of Wellesley, and Barbara Bender of Elmira; dear grandmother of Aimee Bender (Josh Hamacher), Derek Bender (Katie) and Alyssa Boyadjian (Tim); and great-grandmother to Winston and Marra Bender, and Anna, Javen and Asher Boyadjian. She will be sincerely missed by her sisters and brother: Irene Troester, Elmer "Bud" Gerber (Ruth) and Judy Mohr (John), sisters-in law Grace Brunk and Elizabeth Gerber. She will be fondly missed by many nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents, John K. Gerber and Anna (nee Yoder), sisters and brothers-in-law: Frieda Jutzi (Dave), Clara Leis (Lester), John Gerber (Pauline), Hans Troester, Madeline Roth (Alvin), Jean Bender, Oliver Brunk, Vernon Bender, and nephew Jeremy Gerber, and niece Elva Mae Roth.
In 1940, Mary's parents left Michigan and moved to Ontario with their three oldest children, Frieda (6 years old), Mary (4 years old) and Clara (3 years old). They settled on a 50-acre farm in Ellice Township. Mary was among the first geriatric aides trained by Knollcrest Lodge, where she worked for many years, and where she resided at the end of her life. She also worked as the Manager of Milverton MCC Thrift Store. Mary was an active member of Milverton Christian Fellowship, where she enjoyed serving on the organizing committee for the Women's Coffee Break meetings for several years. She was a gifted artist and musician who loved to sing and worship, play guitar, autoharp, piano and dobro guitar. Mary's faith was inspirational to everyone who knew her.
Special thanks to the staff of Knollcrest Lodge and Listowel Memorial Hospital for all your care and comfort.
Friends may call at the FUTHER-FRANKLIN FUNERAL HOME, 1172 Henry Street Wellesley, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Milverton Christian Fellowship Church, 6619 Perth Road 131, Milverton at 10 a.m. Pastor Brent Boshart officiating. Spring interment will take place at Rush Cemetery, Wellesley.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Milverton Christian Fellowship, Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. or Knollcrest Lodge would be appreciated.

Mary Bender Funeral Service
Time: Mar 3, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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