Born May 22, 1925, in Brighton, Colorado, Vivian was the youngest of 7 children. Her parents Maude Marie and George Bender raised their family in the midst of the Depression Era, when people didn’t have much; and faith, family, and love were instilled as the truly important things in life.
Vivian spent most of her younger years on the front range of Colorado, graduating from Fort Lupton High and then earning a degree in nursing from the University of Colorado. Her love for helping and nurturing others proved to be her life’s work, as seen through her time as a caring nurse, loving mother, faithful friend, and a diligent and hard-working contributor to her church and community.
Vivian was happily married for over 60 years to her husband Lou, and they lived and raised their family in Salida, Colorado. They had 3 beautiful children, and through Vivian’s own words, “they were special gifts from heaven.” After becoming a mother, Vivian was a homemaker, balancing raising her kids with helping to manage her husband’s electrical business out of their home.
Vivian will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her gentle spirit and disposition seemed to transcend her years as she kept close with friends of all ages and backgrounds. She will be remembered most for her close walk with the Lord, and her genuine care for others. No one was a stranger for long around Vivian. She made friends easily and believed that friendship is about sharing, understanding, listening, caring, and telling someone how much they mean to you.
She is survived by her children Cynthia and George, and her grandchildren Pete, Erik, Annie, and Emily, and two great-grandchildren, Ellie Rae, and Samuel. She is preceded in death by her son Chuck, and husband Lou.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring in Salida, Colorado. If you wish to give, a donation to a charity of your choice in her honor would be appreciated.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18