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Valetta Mae Bender, age 92, of Sturgis, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born on September 24, 1931, in Metamora, IL to George and Mabel (Morningstar) Sharick. On September 24, 1949 in LaGrange, she married LaVern E. Bender. He died September 11, 2006.
Surviving are two daughters, Cheryl Foster of South Bend and Pam (Tracy) Baugh of Spencer, IA; two sons, Jerry Bender of Goshen and Larry (Becky) Bender of LaGrange; two brothers, Leroy Sharick of Moreno Valley, CA and Allen Sharick of Shipshewana. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, LaVern, brother, Clayton Sharick, and grandson, Jonathan Baugh.
Valetta enjoyed reading, knitting, playing card games, and indulging in chocolate. Her grandchildren were very special to her and she greatly enjoyed the friendly competition that was held between them when playing Uno or Skip-Bo. She was a devoted Christian and a lifetime member of White Pigeon Church of Christ.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 28, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. Funeral services will follow visitation beginning at 11:30 am, also at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by Pastor Barry Edds. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, Shipshewana. Memorials may be given to White Pigeon Church of Christ.
