Betty Jean Bender

Betty Jean Bender, age 82, of Searcy, Arkansas, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at her home in Searcy. She was born on July 24, 1943, in Austin, Minnesota to parents, Everette and Gladys (Torrens) Rose. Betty graduated from Austin High School in 1961. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin. She worked at and retired from Mayo Clinic in Rochester. In 2019, she moved to Searcy, Arkansas to be closer to her daughter. She loved to paint ceramics, cross stitch, create hardanger embroidery, and crochet Afghans for family, friends and babies. She also crocheted intricate doilies to decorate her home. Her favorite place was outside on the back patio, enjoying the fresh air, nature, and her flower garden.

Betty is survived by her children, Brian (Kim), Renae (Stephan), and Tamera (Terry); grandchildren, Logan (Antionette), Jordan, Zenic, Zoie, Annabelle, and Shawn; siblings, Norma Register and Phyllis Crabtree. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Mary Ann Matter, Richard Rose, and Danny Rose.

A memorial service for Betty will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.