Marie Frances Bertch Bender, 96, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 11, 2022 at Elkhart Place Assisted Living. Marie was born on August 2, 1925 in Vandalia, Michigan to the late John Minor Gebhard and Edna (Leich) Gebhard. She married Milo "Mike" Bender on July 18, 1964 in South Bend. Mike passed on December 3, 2009.

Surviving is a son John A. (Becky) Bender; daughters, Pamela Bertch-Robinson, and Susan (Bob) Bertch-Sowers; 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and some great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband Mike, two sons, Terry D. Bender, and Steven John Bertch preceded her in death.

Marie worked in the office at Boris Smolers Dress Factory and at Ziesel's Department Store. She was a volunteer at WNIT Public Television Station and Elkhart Police Department. She was a longtime member of the Women of the Moose #599 and enjoyed playing Euchre and traveling.

Services celebrating the life of Marie F. Bender will begin at 6:00 p.m. where friends may call from 2 until service time on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Her son John A. Bender will officiate. Private family burial will be held Tuesday at Rice Cemetery. Marie's family kindly request memorial contributions to: Salvation Army, 300 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

The Salvation Army
PO Box 1959, Atlanta GA 30301
Tel: 1-404-728-1300
Web: http://give.helpsalvationarmy.org