Lena Mae Bender

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. — Lena Mae Bender ascended into the loving arms of her Savior on Nov. 15, 2007, in Cottonwood due to natural causes.

She was born May 9, 1937, in Reeves, Mo., the youngest of seven children. At the age of two, the family moved to El Cajon, Calif. There she met and married the love of her life, A.A. "Al" Bender on Valentine's Day, 1967.

In 1973, she and her family moved to Montana. Down through the years Lena was a mother to many but was blessed with three children of her own: the Rev. Ellen M. Yuhas of Darby; Theresa Haack, R.N., of Polson, and son Timothy "Butch" who was there to greet her in heaven. She was further blessed to have five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two more on the way.

Lena and her husband Al operated the Lake County Youth Home on a part-time basis in 2005 and 2006.

Lena was a dedicated Christian lady and a pillar in the Darby Foursquare Church. Through her witness many came to serve the Lord. She was happiest when she was feeding a house full of people. She was also a very accomplished seamstress, even making her daughters' wedding dresses. She loved to sing and never met a stranger.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, at New Life Foursquare Church, 303 Cole Ave., Darby. Call 821-4871 for more information.