Norma Jean Bender

Norma J. (Henry) Bender, age 88 passed away peacefully on December 3, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Robert R. Bender and her beloved son, Jeffrey L. Bender.

Born in Columbus, Ohio on August 27, 1930 to the late John and Irma Henry, she spent many happy years growing up in the community and family oriented South End. During this time, she perfected her roller-skating talent, accordion playing and jitterbug dancing. Along with her parents, she was blessed to spend her summers on beautiful Buckeye Lake, helping to take sightseers for boat rides on her father's Buckeye Lake Chris Craft Line. In addition, she enjoyed her many family vacations to beautiful Florida. She was a graduate of South High School’s class of 1948, and enjoyed over the years, the annual class reunions with her many friends.

Norma married the love of her life, Robert R. Bender, on June 2, 1950 and through the years they remained a great team; creating a loving life filled with family and friends. Together, they managed a successful family business, of which Norma was Vice President. Along with their son, Jeff, they continued with their love of Buckeye Lake and spending winters in sunny Florida; happily opening their homes to share with family and friends for loads of fun.

Always ready for some adventure, Norma loved taking helicopter rides with her son, Jeff over central Ohio. The Gab Club was one of her favorite outing, spending time with her fun-loving sisters-in-law, girlfriends and nieces. She enjoyed decorating her home for Christmas and the changing seasons, planting hundreds of flowers in her gardens to enjoy and care for.

Norma was known for her kind and giving heart. She enjoyed her many dogs over the years, and supporting various rescue animal shelters. In recent years, she was delightfully surprised by the warm loving heart of a stray black cat who made his way into her life, loving to curl up on her lap. In addition to Robert and Jeff, she leaves to mourn her sisters-in-law, Sue and Sylvia Bender, many wonderful nieces and nephews, cousins and cherished friends. Family and friends may visit 11-12:30pm on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, 550 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, OH 43147 with a funeral service to follow at 12:30pm. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. If so inclined, donations could be made to Friends for Life Animal Haven, PO Box 7, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110.