Betty Bender

Elizabeth Louise "Betty" Bender peacefully passed into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. Visitation is 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service all at the church. Burial is in All Saints Cemetery.

The family is requesting masks be worn while attending the visitation, vigil and service.

The service and vigil will be broadcast on the McKown Funeral Home Facebook Page.  You can access the Facebook Page by clicking here .

Betty was born July 6, 1940 to Rudolph and Elizabeth (Wiese) Shanle. She was raised on the family farm near Lindsay. She graduated from Holy Family High School. On September 26, 1959 Betty married the love of her life, Kenneth G. Bender at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay, Nebraska. Together they raised, nurtured and loved 5 children.  They had recently celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary.

Betty established The Designer's Inn downtown Columbus, Nebraska in 1977. For many years, using her creative ingenuity, she brought joy into area homes and businesses. In 1995 Betty was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Nebraska, Kearney.

The Catholic faith was always at the center of her life. As a role model to those who knew her, she placed her trust in God to overcome difficulties and achieve success. She was an active member of St. Bonaventure Church and ladies groups.

She is survived by:
Daughter: Kathy (Michael) Sloggett of Eaton, CO
Daughter: Joni (Tim) Richter of Lincoln, NE
Daughter: Jackie (Bob) Wattam of Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Daughter: Vicki (Delbert) Chollar of Columbus, NE
9 Grandchildren
5 Great Grandchildren

She was preceded in death by:
Her Parents
Husband: Ken Bender
Son: Michael Bender
4 Brothers
3 Sisters

Memorials are suggested to the Project 2020, St. Bonaventure Stained Glass Fund