Alice Bender

Alice Louise Fields Bender of Pleasant Hall, Pa, went to be with the Lord March 14, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Born October 6, 1930 in Orrstown, she was the daughter of George W. S. Fields and Edith (Smith) Fields. She was married to Richard George Bender, Sr. on January 3, 1948 and they raised seven children together. Richard preceded Alice in death on November 22, 2009.

Alice was a member of King Street United Brethren in Christ Church for 67 years and active for many years in the Buds of Promise Sunday School Class. She was a deeply committed follower of Christ and her faith overflowed into every aspect of her life where she was a witness to many people. She prayed daily for each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren by their full name. Alice’s firm belief in God supported her through her final days and gave her great peace and hope as she stepped into eternity.

Alice enjoyed playing games, singing, gardening, and exploring nature with her family. She was a wonderful cook and her many great meals will be missed by all. In addition to raising her family, she partnered with Richard in many business endeavors, including the formation of R & A Bender, Inc. a Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Company that serviced many counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland. All seven children worked for the company.

Richard and Alice enjoyed traveling across the country in their motorhome. They made trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Germany, Greece, Israel, and Egypt. Their most memorable trip was in 2007 when they took their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on a Caribbean Cruise.

Alice enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family. You could see the excitement in her eyes and hear the joy in her voice when everyone would get together. Alice is survived by her children: Richard George (wife Bonnie) Bender, Jr., Karen Louise Bender (husband Nelson) Benedict, Teresa Ann Bender (husband Brad) Miller, Lynetta Kay Bender (husband Terry) Mowery, Stephen Ross (wife Angie) Bender, Jeffrey Lynn (wife Carla) Bender, and Douglas Ray (wife Denise) Bender. Alice was lovingly cared for by her “daughter” Nancy Louise (husband John) Walker and Norma I. Mojica.

Alice (Gram, Marm, Marmie, Meme) was lovingly adored by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard and Alice’s grandchildren are: Derek Michael (wife Carla) Bender, Katie Marilyn (husband Chandler) Smith, Mary Alice Edith Miller, Jamie Romaine(husband Chad) Shimko , Tabitha Michelle Wickard (partner Jereme Rubendall), Justin Ryan Mowery, Heather Lynn Mowery, Alyssa Marie Bender (husband Josh) Proctor, Matthew Stephen Ross (wife Carly) Bender, Miranda Jade Bender, Jordan Levi Bender, Rachel Starr Bender, Jarrett Charles Bender, Mikaela Kristine Elsie Bender and Mackenzie Joy Bender.

Richard and Alice’s great-grandchildren are: Cortland Breau Kennedy, Poppy Olive Bender, Hudson Hugh Smith, Monroe Ann Smith, Cailey Elizabeth Shimko, Carley Lehn Shimko, Brianna Rae Bowers, Terry James Bowers, Kayden Richard Rubendall, Sophie Allyson Mowery, Hoyt Stephen Paul Proctor, and Hayde Joshua Proctor.

Alice is also survived by two sisters, Margaret "Peggy" (Tom) Yinger of Mechanicsburg and Carol (Paul) Shatzley of Pleasant Hall and a brother-in-law Ronald Bender of Chambersburg.


In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Fields and David Fields, and a sister Ruth Neil.

Funeral services will be held at King Street United Brethren in Christ Church on Saturday, March 18 at 3:00
pm in the sanctuary with visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Daniel W. Kopp, Reverend Paul B. Baker, and Reverend Lester Stine will officiate. Interment will follow the service at the Pleasant Hall Cemetery.

The family would like to recognize and thank the Celtic Hospice caregivers. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC. 28607 and Celtic Hospice, 900 Century Dr. Suite 201, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Condolences and memories may be shared on her Book of Memories page at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.