Malinda Miller Bender, wife of Frederick W. Bender, died at her home in Springs, Pa. on Friday evening, September 7th. As the result of a stroke and a serious heart condition, she had been an invalid, partially paralyzed and confined to her room, for more than nine years. During her last few months her heart had gradually grown weaker and she had suffered more and more discomfort until finally death released her from her misery. She was aged 75 years, 8 months and 19 days.
Malinda Miller, born near Springs, December 19, 1869, was a daughter of the late Daniel J. and Lucretia (Fuller) Miller. She united with the Mennonite church in her youth. On July 16, 1893, she married Frederick W. Bender, who has been owner and manager of the general store in Springs for nearly fifty years.
She leaves to mourn her death, her husband and the following children: Ray and Walter, Denver, Pa.; Albert and George, Somerset; Glenson, Meyersdale, and Rhoda and Lucretia (Mrs. Robert Maust) at the parental home in Springs. She is also survived by eleven brothers and sisters: William D. Miller, Salem, Ohio; Ulysses D. Miller, Meyersdale; Ed Miller, Inwood, W.Va.; Anna L. Miller, Springs; Mrs. Fred Lohr, Lancaster, and Mrs. Charles Shoemaker, Scottdale. Three brothers, two sisters, and her son-in-law, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Bender was a refined and noble woman, and a Christian mother, whose chief concern was for her family and its well-being. In the days before her illness, she was especially noted for her hospitality and for her generosity to anyone in need. The many callers and the many beautiful floral tributes, received at the house after her death, attested to the esteem in which she was held in her community and elsewhere. Her long sickness, which she bore with patience, was a source of grief to her husband, her five devoted sons, and the two daughters who took care of her. Though confined to her bed, her influence still made itself felt, and she will be sorely missed by her family. Yet there is comfort in the
thought that she is at rest at last.
Funeral services were held on Monday morning in the Springs Mennonite Church, with Rev. A. Jay Replogle and Rev. Roy Otto officiating. A choir of local singers and a men's quartette rendered beautiful music. Rev. Walter Otto fittingly sang the solo, "There Is No Death." Six nephews - Olen, Bryon, and
Herman Bender, and Dwight, Myron and Aaron Miller served as pallbearers. Interment was in charge of William Winterberg of Grantsville.
Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral, were: Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bender and children, Joanne, Barbara, Richard and Donald, and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bender, all of Denver, Pa., William Miller, Salem, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Miller, Inwood, W.Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lohr, Lancaster, Pa.; Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Shoemaker and daughter Elizabeth, Mabel Bittinger, Mrs. Allen Good and Ralph Bender, all of Scottdale; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Miller, Lisbon, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. George Shansey and children, Eileen and Wayne, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Clarence Miller and son, Bayard, Elizabeth, Pa.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Luther from near Johnstown, and Mr. and Mrs. Allen Bender, Cumberland, Md.
Meyersdale Republican, September 13, 1945