Lelia Bender

Lelia Virginia Bender, 92, passed away on January 28, 2018 at The Inn at Northwood Village.

She was born on April 13, 1925 in Port Washington, Ohio to George and Ella (Oneacre) Day. Lelia spent her life in Port Washington, graduating from Port Washington High School in 1942.

In November 1943, Lelia married Robert Bender, son of Ezra and Viola (Salrin) Bender. Lelia and Bob resided in Port Washington for many years until they moved to West Lafayette in 1977. They later moved to The North Star of Dover in August 2002. Bob and Lelia celebrated over 70 years of marriage together. In May 2014, Lelia moved to The Inn at Northwood Village, which was shortly after Robert’s passing in March 2014.

Lelia worked for the Port Washington School System as Assistant Head Cook then Head Cook for over 20 years, retiring in June 1985. Lelia and Robert were life-long members of the Port Washington St Paul’s United Church of Christ. Lelia was an accomplished quilter and made many quilts for her children and grandchildren.

Lelia was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Bender. She was also preceded in death by her son Steven, daughter Rebecca, brother George Day, and sisters Helen Day and Burnett McGonigal.

Lelia is survived by her son Gregory (Sharon) Bender of Virginia; daughter-in-law Marsha Bender of Strasburg, Ohio; and brother Paul E. Day of New Philadelphia, Ohio. She is also survived by grandchildren David (Marian) Bender, Elizabeth (Patrick) Shaughnessy, Kevin (Sarah Frances) Bender, Kristine Bender, and, Kollin Bender. There are also three great-grandchildren, Jane, Anna Grace, and Riley.

The family would like to thank the nurses, aides, housekeeping and food service staff at the Inn at Northwood Village for their dedicated, professional care and support during her three and a half years as a resident.

In lieu of flowers, Lelia requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, OH 44406.

A celebration of life will be held at the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Family will receive guests from 3 to 4 PM with a memorial service to follow.