Doris Mae Bender

She attended and graduated from Arcola Schools. Doris and Eugene started their family together in Fort Wayne. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and dedicated homemaker with a quiet sweetness and a wonderful sense of humor.

In her spare time she liked bowling, bird watching, shelling, fishing, auctions and estate sales, and puppies. She kept herself busy with home decorating, puzzles, games and flower arranging. Doris was a collector of many things, including antiques and Hallmark ornaments. She and Eugene enjoyed playing Bingo and taking trips to Casinos.

Doris enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, where she was a member. She greatly valued her friendships in her Small Christian Community Faith Group. She also volunteered at St. Mary's Soup Kitchen.

She is survived by her loving husband, Eugene Bender; children, Dianne Lyda, David (Dana) Bender, Lori (Kevin) Williams, Tina (Scott) Gill, Angela (Jeff) Bergstedt; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Alma Fritz, Gordon (Judy) Auld, Warren (Gloria) Auld; and sister-in-law, Jean Auld.

She was preceded in death by siblings, Clyde (Pat) Auld, Edith (Merrill) Hackett, Earl Auld, Vera (Bob) Fairchild, Jerry Auld and James Auld; and brother-in-law, Bob Fritz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Ascension Living Sacred Heart Village Chapel, 515 N. Main St., Avilla, IN 46710 with visitation from 12 PM to 1 PM.

Burial will take place in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN immediately following the Mass.

At Doris' request, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Soup Kitchen, Fort Wayne.