Ray Eugene Bender, Sr.

Ray Eugene Bender, Sr.

Loved to help people -

Ray E. Bender, Sr., age 82, of Blain , and formerly of Mechanicsburg , passed away at home on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.  Ray was born on Sunday, May 22, 1932 in Mechanicsburg to the late Russell Eugene Bender and Ruth (Kell) Bender.  In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his infant sister, Delores Bender; and his step-sister, Bonnie (Schappell) Sheriff.

Ray’s survivors include his loving wife of 19 years, Rhonda Sue (Barker) Bender; his children: Ray Bender, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Marysville, Rickey Bender and his companion, Rose, of Newville, Brad Bender and his wife, Shelly, of Carlisle, Brenton Bender and his wife, Tasha, of Lebanon, Shelby (Bender) Palmer and her husband, Justin, of Largo, FL; his 11 grandchildren: his eight great-grandchildren;  his step-siblings: Barbara (Bender) McMinn, Art Bender, Rusty Bender, Mitch Schappell, and Michael Schappell; his close friend, Lloyd Hoover, of Mechanicsburg; several nieces and nephews; and the Amish community of Blain.

Ray attended Mechanicsburg High School .  He retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1987 after 25 years of service as a sales manager.  Ray was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #109 in Mechanicsburg and the Mechanicsburg Club .  Ray loved all sports.  His favorite teams were the Penn State Nittany Lions and L.A. Dodgers.  He belonged to the ABC West and American Legion Bowling Leagues .  He coached the youth and senior softball teams at church, as well as coaching football and basketball in Cumberland Valley .  Ray loved playing golf and hunting with his sons.  He enjoyed taking Rhonda out to dinner.  Ray was a loving man who would do anything for anybody, and he was loved by the Amish in Blain for helping them and driving them to appointments.  Ray will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

All are welcome to join Ray’s family at his celebration of life on Saturday, May 23, 2015 in Blain, PA .  Cremation was private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to help with his final expenses.

Ray’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ray’s full obituary, view his memorial picture, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .