Patricia L. Bender (1930-2021)

Patricia L. Bender, 90, passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Abilene, Kan. She was born Sept. 12, 1930 in Scandia, Kan. to Raymond and Grace (Sandborn) Cooper.
Patricia married Donald C. Bender Dec. 31, 1950. She was a longtime resident of Ellsworth, Kan. where she was the secretary for Ron Svaty at Aylward, Svaty, Sherman then Svaty, Sherman, Hoffman law offices. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Ellsworth.
Patricia is survived by her son, Gregory Bender (Cynthia) of Ellsworth; daughters, Gail Mayfield of Andover, Kan., Geri Ranker (Dwayne) of Ellsworth, Gina Renz (Pat) of Ellsworth, and bonus daughter, Eeva Raitio (Juha) of Finland; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; sisters, Barbara Anderson and Jackie Hammeke; and son-in-law, David A. Mayfield.
Visitation is 1-8 p.m. Thursday, July 8, with family present from 6-8 p.m. at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth.
Funeral service is at 10 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, with burial following in Ellsworth Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth County Historical Society, Immanuel Lutheran Church, or Village Manor of Abilene, in care of Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.
Condolences may be left at www.parsonsfh.com.