Elnora grew up on a farm and she attended school in a one-room schoolhouse until she was high school age. Elnora later moved from the family farm to the city to live with her grandma so she could attend and later graduate from Parkston High School.
She met LeRoy Bender as a high schooler at a roller skating rink in Milltown, South Dakota. Not long after they met, LeRoy went to serve in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Elnora went back to work on the family farm while LeRoy was in the service. LeRoy returned from military service in 1954.
The two were wed on August 29, 1954, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Emery, South Dakota. They were blessed with Debra in 1955 and Angeline in 1957. LeRoy’s parents owned a crop farm in Menno, South Dakota. The young family moved to this farm and lived and worked there for five years. They came west in 1960 and LeRoy pursued a career in computer programming. They settled in Southwest Portland and their first home was on Vermont Street near Alpenrose Dairy. They later relocated Beaverton Cedar Hills area.
Elnora was wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. She provided in-home day care for 20+ years and was adored by the kids she looked after. She still received holiday cards and notes from some of them right up until her last days.
Elnora and LeRoy were square dancers. Elnora was a gifted seamstress and made all of her square dancing dresses. Elnora and LeRoy enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbors. The two loved to travel. Together they visited Mexico, Europe, and many other memorable destinations. In their retired years, they were snowbirds and headed south to Apache Junction, Arizona. The two returned to South Dakota every summer to reconnect with family and so many close friends.
Elnora enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, sewing, cross stitching, fine needlework, and crocheting Afghans. She was also a great cook. A family favorite was her signature caramel brownie. Elnora loved her family and enjoyed being together during the holidays and special occasions. She was the grand family organizer and central “hub” for family events.
Elnora was a devoted, involved member of Hillsdale Community Church. She taught Sunday school and volunteered at Vacation Bible School. Following LeRoy’s death in 2005, Elnora became a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and there she volunteered her time at the church food bank and was a member of the quilting club.
Elnora will be remembered for the love she had for her family. She valued friendship and had a great love for her many, many friends she and LeRoy made over the years.
Elnora spent her final years at Jennings McCall Assisted Living and Memory Care in Forest Grove, OR. Her family is grateful for the wonderful staff and care she received there.
Elnora is predeceased by her parents Albert and Mathilda; husband LeRoy; and siblings Marvin Juhnke and Mildred Smith.
Elnora is survived by sisters Dorothy Schempp and Marion Englund; daughters Debbie Syme (Larry), Anggie Ewen-Pringle (Steve); 9 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 1:30pm, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14175 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR.
Remembrances may be made to Care Partners Hospice.
Please visit Elnora’s online memorial and guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com
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