Ruth Margarette Bender

She was born on February 12, 1920.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Jack (Cindy) Bender of Zeeland, Randy (Mary Lou) Bender of Lansing, three grandchildren, Jenny (Frank) Russell of Holland, Joe (Stephanie) Bender currently living in Brazil, Seth Bender of Lowell and four great grandchildren, Jackie and Maddie Russell and Evie and Johnny Bender.

Her husband, Jacob Bender, preceded her in death in October 2011.

Ruth moved her family from Kalamazoo to Hastings in 1954 after she and her husband Jake purchased the Steinbach Gravel Company. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hastings. Ruth was an avid card and letter writer to her friends and family. She loved to paint and had a true artistic touch. Her home and family were her source of joy.

Jake and Ruth lived in Hastings until 2000, when they moved to Lansing. Ruth most recently resided at Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living in Hudsonville, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, Designation: West Michigan Chapter, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Private family services are being held.