Irene M. Bender, 78, Carthagena, died July 1, 2014, at her home.

She was born Dec. 19, 1935, in Coldwater, to Leo H. and Rose Kahlig Wenning. On June 9, 1956, she married Edward C. Bender, who died Aug. 31, 2000.

Surviving are seven children, Cynthia Gaerke, Coldwater, Joseph (Jean) Bender, Maria Stein, Janice (Kirk) Brackman, Vandalia, Marjorie (David) Luthman, Versailles, Donald (Dee Dee) Bender, St. Henry, Marilyn (Allen) Mulholland, Spencerville, and Michael (Susan) Bender, St. Henry; 21 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; four siblings, Raymond (Mary) Wenning, Coldwater, Vera Bruns, Winter Haven, Fla., Pete Wenning, Coldwater, and Lilly Fullenkamp, Coldwater; and in-laws, Julius (Lois) Bender, Minster, Christine McDonald, Celina, Ruth Bender, Fort Loramie, and Melba Bender, Fort Loramie.

Also deceased are a daughter, Connie Bender; a son-in-law, David Gaerke; a sister, Dorothy (Albert) Knapke; and in-laws, Wilfred Bruns, Rosemary Wenning, Wilfred Fullenkamp, Aloys (Clara) Bender, Martin Bender, Albert (Bea) Bender, Victor Bender, Lawrence (Ruth) Bender, Louise (Charles) Francis, Alvina (Clarence) Cordonnier, Ann Marie (Jack) Burnaby, Pauline (Melvin) Schmiesing, and Don McDonald.

She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Carthagena, St. Monica's Ladies Sodality and the Coldwater American Legion Auxiliary.

She was a homemaker, loving mother and grandmother, enjoyed flowers, sewing, baking and spending time with her family.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Carthagena. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.