WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Virginia Lucille Bender, age 89, passed away peacefully at CCMF in Cassopolis, on Friday, August 22, 2025.
She was born April 23, 1936 in Hampton, Tennessee to Raymond Dellinger and Victoria (Crabtree).
Virginia was preceded in death by both her parents; husbands, William Bender and Faye Eugene Carpenter; sons, David Bender and Dennis Bender; stepson, Ladd Carpenter; grandchildren, Mark Edmisten, James Bender, and Martin Edmisten; and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by five children, Janet Bender Bontrager (Harlan), Scott Carpenter (Tammy), Melissa/Pennie Simerman (Scott), Cherie Conner (Doug), and Larry Carpenter; 24 grandchildren, 53+ great-grandchildren, and 12+ great-great-grandchildren.
Born an only child in Tennessee of humble simple Appalachian lineage, strong-willed and determined, southern Baptist. She migrated north with her parents as a teenager to Sturgis. She was a daddy’s girl through and through. Her early work included the Transogram Toy factory, later Goodwill, and Mister Donut. However, her first priority was always family and she far exceeded any measurable success and this is truly her legacy.
Her family will receive friends Tuesday, August 26, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral will follow at 11:00 at the funeral home with Rick Fair officiating. She will be laid to rest in Poe’s Cemetery.
Donations in Virginia’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
