Bender .- Lydia (Miller) wife of John H. Bender, was born at Springs, Pa., May 27, 1874; died of heart failure, April 1, 1912; aged 37 y. 10 m. 5 d. Her departure a shock to the entire community, she having been in good health and after spending a pleasant evening with her family upon retiring soon was seized by a fit of coughing which alarmed her husband who, after trying to relieve her, went to the telephone and called for a doctor, but even before he was through talking he went to her side just as she passed away. She was since her youth a member of the Mennonite Church and always manifested a cheerful, patient, Christian spirit, faithful in church attendance whenever possible. She leaves to mourn her departure father, mother, a devoted husband, (who is a brother to G. L. Bender, Elkhart, Ind., and D. H. Bender, Hesston, Kans). 6 sons and 3 daughters, ranging in age from 3 to 19 years. Five brothers, among whom are Pre. G. D. Miller and Pre. Ed Miller of this place, and 5 sisters, among whom are Mrs. D. H. Bender of Hesston, Kans., and Sister Anna L. Miller of the Altonna Mission, also survive. The latter expects to return home in a few weeks and take charge of the home and care for the motherless little ones. Funeral services were conducted by Bro. Abram Metzler of Martinsburg, Pa., assisted by Bro. H. M. Gelnett. Text, "For me to live is Christ; and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). May the bereaved ones look to Jesus as their comfort, and may the children strive to live up to the teachings and example of their beloved mother, now gone before awaiting their coming.

"Hail woman! Hail, thou faithful wife and mother,
The latest, choicest part of God,s great plan;
None fills thy peerless place at home, no other
Helpmeet is found for laboring, suffering man."
Gospel Herald - Volume V, Number 3 - April 18, 1912 - page 47, 48