Pauline Lucy Bender, 88, of Russell, Kansas died on Saturday, October 05, 2019, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas
Pauline was born on November 22, 1930, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Cheesman ) Barker. She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School. She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Clarence Bender on March 18, 1951, in Russell, Kansas. From this union Pauline and Clarence were blessed with 5 children Carol, Alvin, Elton Daniel and Roy. Clarence preceded her in death on May 28, 2012, in Russell, Kansas. For several years Pauline worked as a seamstress for Heffel Tailor Shop performing alterations for Banker’s Mercantile. She also worked for several years for Sprint Sports Wear sewing and altering sports uniforms. She was a longtime member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Russell and was a member of the Russell Historical Society, church circles and Russell Garden Club. She enjoyed going to auctions, crocheting, working in the yard, gardening and working on genealogy. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Surviving family include her three sons, Alvin Bender (Patricia) of Abilene, Kansas, Elton Bender (Letty) of Salina, Kansas and Daniel Bender (JoAnn) of Russell, Kansas; 17 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Roy Bender, daughter Carol Whitmer, grandson Charles T. Bender, brother Kenneth Barker & sisters Reba Johnson, Bessie Tackett, Mabel Harkness, Sybil Hayes and Wilma Campbell.
A celebration of Pauline’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 11, 2019, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Michael Eurit officiating. A private family burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening. Memorials may be given to the Russell Historical Society and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.