Sandra Bench

Sandra Jean (Creason) Bench, age 87, of Eldon, Missouri passed away on June 3, 2025 in Osage Beach, Missouri.
She was born on May 20, 1938 in Columbia, Missouri; a daughter of Stanley and Ruth (Thorton) Creason.
Maybe you met Sandra Jean Bench as a teacher, an artist, a pianist, a mother, a sister, a friend. She has been all of these things. Her vast array of experiences made her many things to each person; she was multi-faceted.
Sandra graduated Hickman High School as valedictorian in 1956, could have gone straight to college with a full scholarship, but instead chose to marry the love of her life, Dan Bench, the fresh-faced ROTC graduate from the University of Missouri. Dan and Sandra served the Lord together all of their lives. Their 69th anniversary would have been June 7, 2025.
She was a military wife for many years, until Dan chose to leave the military with an honorary discharge to become a leader in the insurance industry. Life had them traveled around the United States for the births of their four children. Stanley Thomas was born in San Diego, California. Dana Jean was born in Springfield, Missouri. Marcus Alan was born in San Antonio, Texas. Melissa Rose was born in Des Moines, Iowa.
Sandra's life in Des Moines included a variety of things. She led the youth choir at Crestwood Baptist Church, who traveled across Iowa and Missouri, performing in parks, nursing homes, and churches. She served as music director for the church and led the adult choir, as well. Sandra graduated from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in 1978 and Drake University in 1981.
She volunteered at the Friendship Baptist Center, played in a bowling league, and participated in a group called the Mother Singers.
She taught music,all grades, at Des Moines Christian School from 1981-1986.
She served as the music director for the Iowa Southern Baptist Fellowship, traveling around to churches to help them set up music programs for themselves.
In West Des Moines, she attended Ashworth Road Baptist Church and served with leading music there by playing piano and singing with the choir. She also worked with vacation Bible school.
After moving to Missouri, she attended Riverview Baptist Church played piano and helped with music for VBS. She taught Sunday School, led Bible studies and prayer groups. She was also a faithful volunteer at Hope House and Windermere Baptist conference center.
Even in her last few years, she regularly led Bible studies at Rock Island Village.
Sandra was a wonderful woman of God all of her life.
Sandra is survived by her son Marcus Bench of Lake Ozark, Missouri; her daughter's Dana Bench-Murray of Lake Ozark, Missouri and Melissa Bench of Lake Ozark, Missouri; her two grandchildren Daniel and Rachel; and other relatives and friends.
Sandra was preceded in death by her son Stanley Bench; her husband Dan Alan Bench; and her parents Stanley and Ruth Creason.
Friends will be received from 10:00 am to 11:15 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Riverview Baptist Church.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11:15 am, Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Riverview Baptist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Highway 42, Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3232. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.