She was a shining light to all that knew her, filled with love and an unwavering faith in God.
She will be greatly missed by her daughter Vicki (Jack) Dowden, granddaughter Hailey Dowden, brother-in-law Todd Mauldin, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Victor Bender; parents, John and Bertha Unruh; son, Dennis Bender; sister, Phyllis Mauldin; brother and sister-in-law, Verlin and Naomi Unruh.
Joyce grew up in Wasco, CA and moved to Shafter, CA after her marriage to Victor, where they lived until retiring to Carlsbad, CA. Joyce was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Shafter, CA where she sang in the quintet, before moving to Carlsbad and joining Carlsbad Community Church. She worked for the USDA Cotton Research Station for 15 years. She enjoyed nature, music, reading, golfing, gardening, crafting, and traveling with her family. Most of all, she enjoyed her daily long walks in which she greeted everyone with, "Have a good day". She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.
Services will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, CA on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
