GREAT BEND — Mabel M. Bender, 87, passed away April 2, 2019 at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend. 

She was born Feb. 10, 1932 at Claflin to Henry and Anna (Christians) Riemann. She married Oscar Bender Aug. 29, 1954 at Salina. He died Oct. 1, 2002.

Mabel had been a resident of Great Bend since 1946, coming from Claflin. She graduated from Great Bend High School and Salt City Business College, Hutchinson. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Great Bend, and held former employment at First National Bank as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed Bingo, crocheting, knitting, quilting and spending time at the baseball fields. 

Survivors include, one son, Douglas “Doug” Bender, Great Bend; one sister, Ruth Ummen, Great Bend; eight grandchildren, Benjamin McDowell, Denver, Colo.; Heath McDowell, Garden City; Blake McDowell, Provo, Utah; Tommy McDowell, Dumas, Texas; Danica Bender, Emporia; Laura McDowell, Dumas, Texas; Dalton Bender, Great Bend; and Audrianna Bender, Great Bend; and eight great-grandchildren. 

Additional survivors include her two dogs, Shadow a Miniature Collie and Howie a Pekinese. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Oscar Bender; two brothers, Willis Riemann and Albert Riemann; one sister, Opal Cox; and one grandson, Brandon Bender. 

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, April 5 at Bryant Funeral Home, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend, with Rev. Kathie Luke and Pastor Mike Joiner presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to the Great Grandchildren’s Education Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS, 67530 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 3, 2019