Delores E. Bender

Delores E. Bender, 79, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 16, 2020, at home.

She was born February 11, 1941 in Nappanee to Harold and Helen (Oswalt) Heckaman.

On May 11, 1958 she married Terry M. Bender in Nappanee.  He died August 7, 2017.

Survivors include a daughter, Tamra (Rick) Rink of New Paris and Joel L. (Melanie) Bender of Los Angeles, California; a grandson, Stephen (Kristin) Riley of New Paris; a step-granddaughter, Misty Rink; two great-grandchildren, Brock and Braylee Riley and a brother, Clark (Peg) Heckaman of Nappanee.

Mrs. Bender was a member of First Brethren Church of New Paris.  She enjoyed ceramics and collecting antiques.

Along with her husband, she owned and operated several businesses, Bender’s Grocery Store in Bourbon, Millersburg and New Paris; and also owned many rental properties in New Paris, including the Landmark Bar and Grill and Old Time Pizza.

Visitation, following the COVID 19 restrictions and guidelines, will be Thursday, May 21, 2020, from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.  Pastor Jeff Estep, First Brethren Church of New Paris will officiate.

Burial will follow in South Union Cemetery, Nappanee.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.