Moses P. Bender

Moses P. Bender was born on July 4, 1932, to Daniel W. and Arie B. (Peachey) Bender at Belleville, Pennsylvania. He quietly passed away at the Maple View Retirement Community in Ithaca, Michigan, on May 9, 2023, at the age of 90 years.

The oldest of four children, Dad was raised in the Amish faith. As a teenager, feelings of a heavy foreboding nature began stirring within him. One day he began reading in a large book that his grandfather had willed to him. This book was a book of sermons. As he read, he realized that his problem amounted to the simple fact that he was still unsaved. Upon this realization, he surrendered his life to Jesus and on December 2, 1956, at the age of 24, he was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, at Kidron, Ohio, by Minister Paul Swartley. He was forever grateful for the precious gift of salvation as he continued on through life.

On July 12, 1959, he was united in marriage to Pauline Buerge by Minister Glenn Litwiller. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for 46 years. Their home established at Ithaca, Michigan, was blessed by three daughters. We have many happy memories of growing up on an active family farm. There were chickens, pigs, and more. Daily chores became a part of our lives at an early age. The farm was a laying hen and hog operation. Many, many eggs had to be gathered and for a period of time we also graded them which meant evenings working together as a family.

Dad loved nature and it spoke to his heart as he observed her ways. He was a hard worker and always provided well for his family. His words carried weight when he spoke as he was a quiet man. His example of faithful Christian living helped us in making good life choices that we are so thankful for to this day. Generosity was one of his attributes. He was blessed by giving to those with material needs and even more by giving to those with heart needs. For approximately five years, Dad and Mom offered their home as a safe haven from this world to four young girls with whom they had become acquainted.

In the spring of 1999, our parents left Michigan and moved to Transylvania, Louisiana, where they planned to retire. They looked forward to living in a southern state with a milder climate, and they would be close to their eldest daughter and her family. Dad’s green thumb manifested itself as he planted different varieties of flowers, including many roses. He also filled the important role of bookkeeper and handyman at the Transylvania General Store, owned by his daughter, son-in-law, and family. Dad and Mom enjoyed seven years in the South until Mom passed away in 2006, leaving Dad very lonely.

In the fall of 2007, Dad moved back to Pennsylvania where he lived for ten years. At the age of 85, he returned to Michigan so he could be close to the two daughters that lived there. His health began to decline, so in August of 2022, he moved into the Maple View Retirement Community where he became a dearly loved resident. Our family is deeply grateful for the love and care he received while there.

Dad became more gentle and soft in recent months. Our spirits blended with his as we sat and visited together. His heart was at peace with his Maker and with his fellowmen.

Left to cherish fond memories are three daughters: Nancy and Phillip Koehn, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania; Jana and Brian Toews, Ithaca, Michigan; Sherry and Kevin Benesh, Ithaca, Michigan; four foster daughters: Tammy Vaughn, Crystal McCormick, Annette Fargo, and Barbra Jason; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren, sisters: Katie Yoder, Belleville, Pennsylvania; Emma and Daniel Peight, Belleville, Pennsylvania; and sister-in-law, Lizzie Bender, New Enterprise, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, parents-in-law, one brother, one brother-in-law, and one infant great-grandson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the Newark Mennonite Church, 3446 S. Alger Road, Ithaca, MI 48847 with Ministers Michael Litwiller, Darin Litwiller, and Doug Salsbury officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place at the Hayes Road Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Moses’s memory to Maple View Retirement Community 4396 S. Luce Road, Ithaca, MI 48847.