E. Marie Bender Obituary | Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care

Ellen Marie Bender, 91, of Ames, died Monday, March 21, 2011, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, with a service immediately following at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Marie is survived by her two daughters, Kathryn Bender, of Ames; Virginia Gilmore, of Mineral Ridge, Ohio; and sons, Russell H. Bender (Marianne), of Wenatchee, Wash; and Richard E. Bender (Sharon), of Iowa City; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and very supportive friend Susan Owen and family.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell; and two brothers, Norman and Elmer Lindquist.
Mrs. Bender was born in Hiteman, Iowa, on Aug. 23, 1919, the daughter of Swedish immigrants, Henning and Christine Lindquist. She married Russell O. Bender on April 16, 1940, in Ames.
She was a member of Laura Chapter No. 115 Order of the Eastern Star, the White Shrine of Jerusalem and a lifetime member of Bethesda Lutheran Church. During her lifetime she worked for many years in several laundries and drycleaners in Ames (Lindquist Cleaners, Jay's Laundry, and Ames Pantorium).
Her family will fondly remember her for her enthusiasm playing cribbage, her love of Estes Park, Colo., and her pride in cooking, entertaining, and baking many delicious Swedish delicacies. Marie was a warm and loving woman and valued family and friends as her most precious possession.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Israel Family Hospice House or Bethesda Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.

Karen Evans on Mar 23, 2011

Candle I'm happy to be able to have called Marie my friend. I loved her dearly and will miss her greatly. God blessed us by letting us have her in our lives.She lives on in each heart she touched.

Tom , Rose and kids on Mar 23, 2011

Candle Grandma we love you very much and will always carry you in our hearts. we will miss you during the family get togethers,but will always have you there in spirit. You are a wonderful giving person. I will never forget you and will always cherish your recipes you taught me so much in the kitchen. Love you and miss you!!!

Julie Bender on Mar 23, 2011

Candle Grandma, I will always remember your kind-heart, sincerity and loving nature. I will especially cherish the fond memories I have of time spent together during the holidays and during our travel out west to Banff National Park. You were the best grandma anyone could ask for. I love you and will miss you dearly.

Sharon Bender on Mar 23, 2011

Susan Owen on Mar 23, 2011

Thank you Mrs. B. for being my friend all these years. I will always treasure the wonderful memories...the giggles, the tears, and our talks. You demonstrated grace and dignity even when faced with extreme adversity...you never complained and your twinkly blue eyes always lit up when I walked in...You are the most selfless, loyal person I know. I love you dearly and will miss you...especially on Aug. 23rd. I would not trade the time we spent together this past year for anything. It was truly an honor to be your friend. I miss you my dear, dear friend.

Julie Bender on Mar 22, 2011

patty tolle on Mar 22, 2011

i will allways remember the vist to your house with rose and your smile

Russ & Marianne on Mar 22, 2011

Candle We miss you Grandma, your sweet unselfish ways, kind heart & impish giggle. You always freely gave of yourself to your children, grandchildren just all of us. When we think of you now, smiles will be on our faces and wonderful memories will always come to mind.

Timothy R. Grandon on Mar 22, 2011