Obituary of Clara Bender

BENDER – Clara (nee Schwartz) passed away at the age of 89 at the Cypress Regional Hospital on February 10, 2015. Clara is survived by daughter Barbara (Jim) Simons, and sons Jack & Rick (Bernice) Bender; grandchildren Crystal, Cindy, Cherie Simons, Corey; Trevor (Christine) Petkau; MacKenzie (Cheyanne) Wale, and great grandchildren Alexander, Christopher Petkau and Christopher and Brett Wale. Clara is also survived by brother, Leonard (Evelyn) Schwartz; sister Ruby Treen, brother-in-law Harvey Reimche, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Clara was predeceased by parents, Christian and Mary (Holderbein) Schwartz, her loving husband of 62 years Walter Bender, sister Edna Reimche, brother-in-law Clayton Treen and daughter Frances Jean Petkau. Clara was born on August 7, 1925. She attended Fern Valley School for her first years and then Neidpath for the later years. In 1946 Clara married Walter Bender at the Hallonquist Church of God. They later farmed in the Hallonquist area and later Neidpath. They had a small dairy operation and delivered milk to residents of the area. From 1969 to 1971 Clara and Walter ran Bender’s Store in Neidpath and served many good customers. Clara was a great cook excelling at all the German dishes. She loved gardening, crocheting, and embroidering and many other hobbies when she wasn’t busy with the kids. Later Walter and Clara moved to Swift Current, and also purchased a cabin at Beaver Flat where they enjoyed gardening, fishing and visiting with locals. After Walter passed away Clara was looked after by her son Jack until her passing. Clara will be sadly miss by family and friends, but will live forever in loving memory. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Eastside Church of God with Pastor Kevin Snyder officiating. The ushers were Ed Schwartz and Cecil Coward. The urn bearer was Fern Rempel. Memorial donation may be made to the SPCA in memory of Clara. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle.