BENDER: On Wednesday November 2, 2022, Erma (Wagler) Bender, peacefully passed on to the presence of her Lord in her 90th year at her daughter’s home, Listowel, ON. She was born November 26, 1932 at Tavistock, ON to Daniel and Mary (Zehr) Wagler. Loving wife of the late Merlin Christian Bender (October 23, 2021). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Donna and Harold Good of Listowel, Diane and Dwight Good of Milverton, Tom and Linda Bender of Kippen, Susan and the late Cornelius Harder (2020) of New Hamburg, Joe and the late Elaine (2015) Bender of Burlington, Brad and Sandra Bender of Kippen, Laura Ann and Virgil Horst of Columbiana, OH and John and Carolyn Bender of Lucan. Cherished grandma of 36 grandchildren, 111 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Emmalien Lichti, Lydia and Glen Schumm and sister-in-law of Isabel Ruby and Lorraine Bender. Remembered by her many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents, siblings and in-laws, Stanley and Ruby Wagler, Lloyd and Ruby Wagler, Alma and Ken Zantzi, Daniel and Audrey Wagler, Elmon Lichti, Vernon Ruby, Howard Bender, Florence and Earl Schlegel, Donald and Louisa Bender, as well 1 granddaughter and 4 great-grandchildren.
Baptized while in her youth she has been a member of the Lakeview Conservative Mennonite Church since 1972. She served the Lord sacrificially alongside her husband in his offices of minister and bishop here and in the churches in India.
Visitation will be held at the Lakeview Conservative Mennonite Church, 73394 Bronson Line Zurich on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held there at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday November 6, 2022; If unable to be present, a telephone connection is avaliable at 226-393-2082. Interment follows at the adjoining cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations may be directed to the India Lamp & Light Bible Courses.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Lynn Yantzi
To The family of Erma.
Losing both of your parents in a short span of time is a shock and prompted much reflection when it happened in my family. Thoughts like why was I blessed to be born into a family with such a strong vibrant Christian faith? Why did I have Parents who daily showed empathy for others their community . I am sure that you are thinking these same questions
.I have good memories of Erma always showing concern for me at family gatherings. I knew mom and Erma spoke often on the phone so I knew Erma knew what was happening in my families life.Close caring extended families tend to be like that
.The challenge for us is to continue to be faithful in the example given to us by our parents
.Blessings toll of you as you celebrate the life and example of your mother.
Lynn Yantzi
Gord Hardy
To the Bender family:
Sincere sympathy for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Gord & Joanne Hardy
Sara Enns
I remember the first time I saw Irma was at some evening meetings. Her husband Mervin had just preaches a message about the Lord return! After the message we were standing in back, Irma comes over with her arms lifted up as she says ” Isn’t wonderful? Jes6s will come back soon!” I remember thinking I want to be like her…! I believe that might have lead to my seeking after the Lird more earnestly as well! Praise God!?
May the Lord bless and keep you all. A sister in Christ!
Evelyn Steckle Vincent
To Erma’s family and loved ones
Sincere sympathy. Knowing she is with Jesus brings peace and comfort. She worked hard and was a lovely lady.
May the good memories help bring peace and comfort.