Sue Lynne Bender

WALDO - Sue Lynne Bender, 75, of Waldo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 9, 1945, in Bucyrus, Ohio, Sue was the daughter of Arthur and Kathryn (Gearhart) Meck. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Holmes-Liberty High School in 1963. She went on to graduate with honors from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Sue met Frederick Wallace Bender, her future husband, at the U.S. Forest Service in Delaware, Ohio, where they worked as laboratory technicians. They were married on June 1, 1968.

Sue and Fred made their home in Waldo where they raised their children-Kristy, Chad, and Ben-and built Bender Photography, a successful commercial photography business. Sue also served as a tutor, substitute teacher, and member of the River Valley school board.

Sue was known for her great laugh, quirky sense of humor, feistiness, and generosity. She had a knack for brightening a person's day in unique and thoughtful ways, and if someone needed help, she didn't hesitate to jump in with both feet. Fiercely protective of family and friends, she always had their backs.

Sue is survived by: her husband of 52 years, Fred Bender; her children, Kristy (Sean) Zurbrick of Dublin, Chad (Tanya) Bender of Clintonville, and Ben (Shelby) Bender of Waldo; her grandchildren, Trevor Bender, Tyler (Makayla)?Bender, Kaitlyn Bender, Karter Bender, Sophia Bender, and Evan Bender; several nieces and nephews; and good friends.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, Leroy and Mildred Bender.

Sue's family wishes to thank the caring staff at Kingston Residence of Marion and DaVita Heart of Marion Dialysis.

A private graveside service is planned for February 5, 2021, at Waldo Cemetery.

A celebration of Sue's life will take place at a later date.

To honor Sue's memory, the family encourages those who knew and loved her to bring sunshine to others through kind gestures.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Flowers may be sent to Snyder Funeral Home, Denzer Chapel, Marion.

To share favorite memories of Sue and send condolences to her family, please visit www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Marion Star from Feb. 1 to Feb. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Sue Bender

Sponsored by Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel.

8 Entries

Lesley Slone

May 5, 2023

Sue Lynne was my "big sister" In Zeta Tau Alpha at Ohio Wesleyan University. I loved her and tried many times over the years to find her and finally found her obituary. I hope she had a wonderful life.

Eloise Jamison Sulzman

January 7, 2022

I just read in the current issue of the Ohio Wesleyan magazine of Sue Lynne´s passing. My condolences to her family. Sue Lynne and I were good friends all through college at Ohio Wesleyan and kept in touch for awhile after. I visited a few times and met Fred and her children when they were young. (I live in New Jersey.) Sue Lynne was one of the first women I knew who combined the traditional major of Elementary Education with something more academic (microbiology, I think) and excelled at both. Thanks for posting the picture; it captures her spirit and brings back memories of our good times together.

Karen S. McCleary

February 3, 2021

I first met Sue when I started on the River Valley School Board. I didn't know her well as she resigned shortly after, to allow more time for her artistic endeavors. I was amazed at the awesome photos she created - I didn't know she had been ill and share my condolences with her entire family.

Dave and Joan Rich

February 2, 2021

Dave and I were heartbroken to hear the sad news of Sue’s passing. We pray friends will surround and encourage all of you during this sorrowful time.
Having coached Kristy in track and field, Dave was very close to Sue at that time. He remembers how she could always make him laugh with her sense of humor. Those good times will always be with him. I remember having wonderful conversations with her and giggling together. She made slides for me for an art class at OSUM and was so supportive when I began my teaching career. Although we haven’t seen her for a few years, Sue will be greatly missed. May her memory be a blessing.

Bob Haas

February 2, 2021

I just learned of Sue's passing today - I have fond memories of working with Sue on the RV Board. Sue cared deeply about education and shared her passion for education with all of us.

Velma Thacker Clabaugh

February 2, 2021

So very sorry to hear about Sue. She was a kind, funny lady that was so fun to talk to. May the family find comfort in memories of your adventures and love. RIP, Sue.

Justin Sellers

February 1, 2021

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bender family. They are a very sweet and caring family.

Jane Click

January 31, 2021

So SAD TO HEAR OF sUE PASSING. GOD HELP YOUR FAMILY TO HEAL.

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