Mary Ann Bender

Mary Ann Bender, 71, of Lancaster went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday morning, July 27, 2012 at the Essa Flory Hospice Center, Lancaster. She fought the battle and won, for now she lives in the house of the Lord forever. Born in White Horse, PA, she was the daughter of the late Amos G. and Leah Blank Allgyer and wife of Richard D. Bender with whom she celebrated 24 years of marriage. Mary Ann retired from Bareville Furniture in 2003 where she worked in the Accounting Department for many years. Following her retirement, she returned to Good’s Furniture in the Payroll Department. Her greatest joy was her family. She also enjoyed the beach, reading, needlework, gardening, cooking, baking, Longaberger Baskets, art, music, and was a lifelong Phillies fan. Mary Ann was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Lancaster and the Strasburg Women’s Club. In addition to her husband, she is survived by the following children: a son, Raymond J. husband of Barb King of Lancaster, PA, Samuel L. husband of Susan King of Sparks, NV, daughters: Kathy S. King companion of James Axe of Mountville, PA, Donna Bender wife of John Rosegrant of Tucscon, AZ, Linda Bender wife of Ry Taylor of Philadelphia, PA and son, Michael husband of Mairin Bender of New Jersey. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, two brothers: Sam husband of Leona Allgyer of New Holland,PA, Amos husband of Lydia Ruth Allgyer of Millerstown, PA, three sisters: Naomi wife of Steve Johnson of Lancaster, PA, Rebecca Riehl companion of Ron Steinmetz of New Holland, PA, Elsie wife of Reuben Smucker of New Holland, PA, two sisters-in-law: Fay Allgyer of New Holland, PA and Gloria Allgyer of White Horse, PA. She was preceded in death by two brothers: John B. Allgyer, Elmer B. Allgyer and a nephew Sonny Allgyer. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Mary Ann’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service at Covenant United Methodist Church, 110 N. Mulberry Street, Lancaster on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Larry D. Leister officiating. Her family will receive friends at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at the Zeltenreich’s Cemetery, New Holland, PA. If desired, Memorials may be made to the Dolly Kepner Music Fund c/o Covenant United Methodist Church, 110 N. Mulberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or www.hospiceoflancaster.org.

Mary Ann Bender

July 28, 2012