Obituary of Barbara Annetta Bender (nee Smith)

Passed away at home on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by her husband and family, and attended by her extraordinary physician Dr. Kim Moore, whom she considered a friend.  She is survived by her husband, Arnold Hugh Bender, her children Jody and Steve Stecho, Tim Bender and Tasha Viveen, and Dan and Paula Bender, as well as her siblings Ron and Wendy Smith, Laura and Rod Endel, and six grandchildren.  She was born on June 26, 1947 in Woodstock, Ontario, to deceased parents Alec and Hazel (Osborne) Smith; a younger sibling to deceased sister Sharron Taylor. Barb was a loving sister-in-law to Bertha and Ray Gingrich, Maynard and Lila Bender, and Sharon Gingrich, and a daughter-in-law to Gladwin and Elma (Good) Bender, now deceased.

After being an exceptional homemaker and sometimes book-keeper, she settled into retirement and indulged her creative side with jewelry-making and crafts made in polymer clay. She and Arnie married in 1970 on Valentines Day and were steadfast partners through business ownership, multiple house flips and caring for family members. She was a loving and self-sacrificing mother, showing her love for others by cooking and baking. Becoming a grandmother to Madison, Nathan, Avery, Riley, Owen and Ella may have been the ultimate joy of her life.

Barb battled cancer multiple times throughout her life, surviving with grit and determination, until it outwitted her one final time.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 1 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m.

The funeral service will take place at Wellesley Mennonite Church, 157 David Street, Wellesley on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1 p.m., with Pastor Matthew Bailey-Dick officiating.  A reception will immediately follow the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to either the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation (for their Cancer Care Services) or the Wellesley Food Cupboard by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com