Lois Elaine (Thumma) Bender

Lois Elaine (Thumma) Bender

A Strong Woman -

Lois Elaine (Thumma) Bender, age 89, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022.  Lois was born on Tuesday, June 7, 1932, in Mechanicsburg to the late Elmer Thumma, Sr. and Grace May (Hollinger) Thumma.  In addition to her parents, Lois is preceded in death by the love of her life, Ray Bender, Sr.; her son, Rickey L. Bender; her brother, William Thumma; and her sister, Violet Smith.

Lois’s survivors include her two sons: Ray Bender, Jr. and wife, Linda, of Camp Hill and Brad D. Bender and wife, Shelly, of Lewisberry; her six grandchildren: Bryan Bender, Jen Farkas, Ricky Bender, Dustin Ganoe, Cory Ganoe and David Bender; her eight great-grandchildren: Larissa Hotz, Ashleigh Bender, Scotland Bender, Abby Bender, Anna Bender, Hunter Ganoe, Kennedie Bender and Brady Bender; her brother, Elmer “Sonny” Thumma, Jr. and wife, Joann, of Shermans Dale; her sister, Grace Koser of Dillsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Lois was an extremely loving and caring person.  She overcame many obstacles to accomplish everything in her life.  Lois loved children, and from the age of 12 until she was in her 60’s she helped raise many through babysitting.  She was the ultimate homemaker and took great pride in her home.  A strong, loyal and forgiving woman, Lois loved Ray Sr. until the day she died.  She enjoyed attending cookouts, holiday gatherings and more than anything else, Lois loved spending time with her family.  She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

All are welcome to join Lois’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Alan Echard officiating.  Lois’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  A graveside service and interment will follow the reception in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Enola.  Cremation was private.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at the Church of God Home who so lovingly cared for Lois during her illness.

Contributions in celebration of Lois’s life can be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, www.hospiceofcentralpa.org/giving-and-donations or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate.html.

Lois’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Lois’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.