Martha M. Bender

Martha M. Bender, 85, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, at Goshen Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born June 24, 1931 in Goshen to Noah and Laura (Miller) Kaufman.

On March 18, 1951 she married Edward L. Bender at Pleasant Grove Church, Goshen.  He died February 19, 2016.

Survivors include five children, Joyce E. Burkhead of Goshen, Lamar (Karen) Bender of Hesston, Kansas, Darrell (Sarah) Bender of New Paris, Randy (Debbie) Bender of Granger and Ronald (Paula) Bender of Lynchburg, Virginia; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Wilma (Fred) Springer of Long Beach, California, Mary Ellen (Marvin) Miller of Sarasota, Florida, Pauline Borntrager of Goshen and Verna Kaufman of Elkhart and three brothers, Wilbur (Martha) Kaufman and Calvin (Loretta) Kaufman, both of Goshen and David (Mickie) Kaufman of Winona Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two grandsons, Noah Bender and Derek Burkhead and a brother, Leon Kaufman.

A member of Grace United Methodist Church, Mrs. Bender enjoyed quilting, flower gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was well known for her dinner rolls.

She worked at Goshen Rubber for 20 years, retiring in 1986.

Friends may call Monday, December 5, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 6 funeral service will be conducted.  Pastor Rob Nelson, Grace United Methodist Church will officiate.

Burial will follow in New Paris Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church.