Lt. Col. Ryan James Bender

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Juab High School Brigham Young University Snow College

Ryan Bender Obituary

Lt. Col. Ryan James Bender In Loving Memory Ryan James Bender passed away of heart failure April 25, 2009 in Stuttgart, Germany shortly after an Elder's Quorum activity. He was born June 15, 1958 in Murray, Utah to Russell and Colleen Matthews Bender. He graduated from Juab High School (1976) Snow College (1980) BYU (l982) and received his commission as a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force. He received a Masters Degree from BYU in l990. He attended several Military Colleges and graduated with honors. He received the "Air Force Outstanding Unit Award" and the "Outstanding Reserve Intelligence Officer of the year." He recently signed a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, a Corporation that receives contracts from the Air Force. Ryan has a great love for his family and spent many hours with his brothers hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, lizard hunting, rafting, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. He enjoyed playing table games and was very competitive. He loved sports and was an avid fan of BYU and Air Force. He loved music and sang with the "LD Singers" at Snow College and BYU ROTC "Footprints of Freedom." He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints having served in the Harrisburg Pennsylvania Mission. He had a great love for Missionary Work and was an example to family and associates. He is survived by his parents, Russell and Colleen Bender, five brothers, Russell, Nyal (Claudia), Daren (Sheryl), Shawn and Jason (Nicole) and sister, Diane (Kory) and 30 nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Monday May 4, 2009 in the Nephi 2nd Ward, 222 S. 100 E. Friends and Family may call Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, 94 W. 300 N. and at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Nephi Vine Bluff Cemetery.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from May 1 to May 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Bender

11 Entries

Connie Boettler

May 14, 2009

My condolences to Ryan's family and friends. I worked with Ryan while he was in Ramstein, Germany. He was a dedicated, sincere person, and I know that he will be missed. May memories of his smiling, cheerful demeanor offer you comfort during this time of sorrow.

Mike C

May 12, 2009

I had the opportunity to work with Ryan through the Air Force Reserve. He was always kind, thoughtful, and patient with everyone. I will miss him.

Ruth Curtis

May 12, 2009

I have known Ryan since he was a Captain and have had the honor and opportunity to work with him in Germany on many occasions. He will be missed. May all of your happy memories keep him in your heart and help you through the coming days. Sincere condolences.

May 7, 2009

I had the honor of working with Ryan upon numerous occasions, during peacetime as well as during different operations and crises. Ryan's attitude and professionalism made him a positive contributor in all situations. My condolences to his family and friends.

Donna M. Ketterle, Colonel, USAFR (Ret.)

Lynn & Pat Sagers

May 3, 2009

Colleen & Russell, We were sad to read in the paper about the loss of your son, Ryan. He sounded like such a great person. Lynn remembered golfing with Russell and Ryan several different times when we lived in Nephi, and Lynn was really impressed with him - he seemed like such a nice guy! We know you are going to miss him. Our prayers are with your family. Lynn & Pat Sagers

Jeffery Bean

May 2, 2009

Ryan was always a true friend, a friend for life. We enjoyed many experiences together at Juab High, from athletics to Concert Choir, and from performing in school plays to going to school dances and activities, and countless other things that Ryan enjoyed doing. He was well rounded, as well as a fine scholar. Ryan was faithful to his beliefs and convictions to the end. We joined the AF ROTC together at BYU, but he stuck with it and made a good career out of it, and had many great experiences in his career.
I very much enjoyed meeting and talking with Ryan not many weeks ago after many years of "losing contact" with each other. As he always had done, I could quickly tell that he still valued his family relationships, and always tried to do what was right for others. Ryan always did his best to follow the Spirit in every aspect of his professional and personal life.
Ryan, we had some great experiences together that I will remember, and I had hoped to share more of them with you in the future. Thank you for always being my friend and a great example to me.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Bender family in this time of loss of such a good son, brother, uncle and friend. I mourn his loss with you, and will miss him greatly.

Jeff Ashman

May 2, 2009

I remember Ryan as Elder Bender. I served as his Zone Leader for a while during his service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Elder Bender was a great missionary. He served with diligence and faith.
I will keep your family in my prayers.

Debi Fuell

May 2, 2009

I also attended high school with Ryan, he was always a great example, gentle, honorable, kind, smart. I'm glad he touched my life. I had just gotten back in touch with him on facebook in Feb. and was hoping to catch up. He was going to share pictures or videos of Germany, a place I have always wanted to go. I will miss him.
My heart and prayers are with you and your family brother and sister Bender. I know he is with you always. You should be very proud of the fine gentleman Ryan was.

Arlene Carter Grams

May 1, 2009

I attended high school with Ryan and admired him greatly; he was always a true gentleman. May your fond memories bring a measure of comfort in the days ahead.
We will be holding your family in prayer.

Darlean Basuedayva

May 1, 2009

Lt Col Bender was so awesome! We were deployed to Germany together in 2008. It was great to see his smiling face waiting for a ride on the steps of the Swabian Inn each Sunday. He will be missed.

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