M. Audrey Bender

M. Audrey Bender, age 92, of Dover, Ohio and formerly of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully with her loved ones at her bedside at Park Village Health Care Center on Thursday, April 9, 2015 after a short illness.

Born October 30, 1922 in North Industry, she was the daughter of the late Wilbert and Iola (Bixler) Lautzenheiser of Bolivar. Audrey married Ralph A. Bender on March 28, 1945 and the couple lived on their farm on Old Town Valley Road outside of New Philadelphia until Ralph passed away in 1990 at which time Audrey moved to Dover.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Milford Lautzenheiser and Paul Lautzenheiser. The saddest day of Audrey's life took place in 1962 when her oldest and beloved son, Ralph died in a tragic automobile accident at the age of twelve. He was forever missed and loved by his mother.

A wonderful and loving mother and grandmother, Audrey will be missed deeply by her son and daughter in law, John and Sally Bender of Dover; granddaughters, Jennifer (Andy) Brenneman of West Lafayette, Betsy (Michael) Walker of New Philadelphia and Katie (Jon) Clemons of Cincinnati and three great grandchildren, Jacob Brenneman of Zanesville, Evelyn Brenneman of West Lafayette and Callie Clemons of Cincinnati; two sisters, Mary (Raymond) Richards and Carol (Lawrence) Zimmerman and a sister in law, Vera Lautzenheiser survive. Audrey's greatest joy on earth was her family and each one will treasure special memories of her in their heart.

Audrey was a graduate of Aultman Hospital School of Nursing. She spent the next 42 years of her life working in the operating room at Twin City Hospital and later Union Hospital. After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time reading and doing crossword puzzles. She always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress on the card table and was a skilled knitter and usually had a knitting project in the works. Her favorite television program was Jeopardy and she could keep up with the best of the contestants.

A celebration of Audrey's life will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2015 beginning at 1:30pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Rev. William Rinderknecht, pastor of the First Moravian Church in Uhrichsville where Audrey had been a member for many, many years. Up until her death, she was the oldest member of the congregation. She will be laid to rest beside her husband and son in the Union Cemetery at Uhrichsville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from noon until the time of her service. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Audrey may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

The family would like to say a special thank you to Audrey's wonderful neighbors, past and present, who have been a blessing to her over the years. Also, fondest thoughts to some special friends who were more like family than friends to Audrey.

Memorials may be made in Audrey's name to one's favorite charity.