Marceline A. (Mitchell) Bender, 96, lifelong resident of Russell, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2023 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell. Marceline was born March 9, 1927 in Russell. She was the daughter of Oscar R. and Margaret (Benso) Mitchell. She grew up on the Mitchell homestead south of Russell. She attended West Kennebec School and later graduated from Russell High School in 1944. After high school, she briefly attended business school with her sister, Glenna. She then worked for her Aunt Glennadine and husband Leo.
Marceline liked to go to dances, which is where she met and fell in love with Henry A. Bender. They were united in marriage on June 5, 1948 in Russell. This union was blessed with four children; Margaret, Michael, Richard and Nancy. Henry preceded her in death on December 29, 2004.
After they were married, they moved to a farm northwest of Russell where she was a dedicated farm wife and mother. It was important to Marceline to be supportive of Henry, their children, and family. Through her 96 years in Russell County, she had many friends and acquaintances whom she was always willing to lend a hand or share fried chicken or her delicious pies.
Marceline was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church and a member of Home Demonstration Unit. She also worked at the Russell County Court House. She enjoyed doing yard work, raking leaves and studying family genealogy.
Marceline’s surviving family include children Margaret Polen, Mike (Diane), Richard (Kim) and Nancy Schmitt (Dale); sister and best friend, Glenna Paschal; half-brother, Stanley Mitchell; 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marceline was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; granddaughter, Jodi; brothers, Oscar Bill Mitchell; and half-siblings, Fred, Margaret, Kenneth and Charles.
Celebration of Marceline’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 17, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. A Memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church or the Russell County Historical Society. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.