Mary E. Neff Bender, 88, of Millheim, passed peacefully into eternal rest, Thursday, August 19, 2010.
She was born December 18, 1921, in Potter Twp; a daughter of the late Homer L. and Dorothy Ruble Neff.
On December 18, 1948, in Landisburg, with the Reverend Raymond Jones officiating; she married Bernal S. 'Curley' Bender who preceded her in death on March 14, 2007.
Mary graduated from Centre Hall-Potter High School in 1940 and from the Lewistown School of Nursing in 1945. She went on to work as a nurse at Lewistown Hospital, serving with the Nurse Cadet Corps at the hospital during World War II; until the birth of her children, when she chose to be a full time homemaker.
Mrs. Bender was an active and faithful member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ at Tusseyville, having held many offices and positions in the church. She served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross Blood Mobile for nearly twenty years, as a volunteer at Centre Crest Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Centre in Bellefonte, and at Salem Hill Haven at Spring Mills.
A person of varied interests, she especially enjoyed hiking, nature, crafts, reading, gardening, music, and her cats Miss Kitty and Shadow.
Surviving Mary are two daughters, Bette Ann Bender of Millheim and Norma Jean Bender of Nottingham; two sisters, Frances Hassinger of Lewistown, and Sara Shank of Milroy.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter Mary Alice Bender; two sisters, Margaret 'Peg' Neff and Agnes Neff; and one brother Charles W. Neff.
In honor of Mary's love for flowers, you are encouraged to bring a flower from you own garden to be placed in a vase which will be provided. The arrangement created will be displayed during the memorial service.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m. Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Emmanuel Union Church at Tusseyville Road, Tusseyville; with the Reverend Michael Smith officiating. Friends will be received in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the memorial service. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family, in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, West Church St., Centre Hall.
In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, C/O Eric Myer, 214 Sinking Creek Road, Spring Mills, PA 16875; or to the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 135 S. Pugh St. State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.