Annabelle Bender

Annabelle Bender, 95, a former resident of Churubusco and widow of Howard G. Bender, died at 5:40 p. m. on Thursday, September 10, 2009, at her residence in New Haven following a brief illness. Mrs. Bender was born in Hankley, Illinois on November 2, 1913, a daughter of Wallace H. and Cornelia Graham.e On March 29, 1941 she was married in Fort Wayne to Howard G. Bender.e The couple moved to Churubusco from Fort Wayne in 1944 and lived there until moving to Fruitland Park, Florida in 1986. Mr. Bender preceded her in death on October 6, 1995.e She returned to Indiana in 2003, and had lived at her present home since that time. A homemaker, she was a member of the Churubusco United Methodist Church, and was a 50 year member of Churubusco Order of the Eastern Star 136. The surviving relatives include her children Iris [Ralph] Radecki, Gregory G. [Deborah] Bender, and Jeannette Emley, all of Fort Wayne.e There are seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by her sister Janet Telschow; by a brother Wallace P. Graham, and by a great-granddaughter Ieshia Bender. Graveside services will be held at 11 a. m. on Thursday, September 17, 2009, at the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.e Chaplain Karen Kosberg will officiate, and interment will follow. At the request of Mrs. Bender, there will be no calling hours. Memorials may be directed to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 2270 Lake Avenue, suite 200, Fort Wayne, INe 46805. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements. ****************************************** To leave a condolence for the family in Mrs. Bender's memory, please click on "Condolences" below. . .