Darlene Doris Bender, 97, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, died peacefully at home on Monday, March 30. She was born in 1928 to Floyd and Elma Brack on the family farm in Barton County, Kansas.

In 1946 she married Albert Bender in Russell, KS. When Al retired in 1983, they moved to Bella Vista, where Darlene also tried retirement. "I've never read so many books in my life," she said, and went back to work. Darlene worked outside the home until age 92 when she retired from Walmart. She enjoyed meeting people and making friends. She stated that her goal in life was to feed and care for others, and she was an excellent cook and baker. Family, friends and co-workers all enjoyed the treats she made to share. She loved watching sports, especially her great-grandchildren's games, and was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Arkansas Razorbacks basketball.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Banman of Salina, KS and Karen Schubert of Bella Vista, AR; four grandchildren, Heather Sturm (husband Jonathan), Matthew Banman (wife Janelle), Lindsey Lawson (husband Chuck), and Travis Schubert; and eight great grandchildren she adored, Madison, Ryleigh, Otto, Hunter, Addyson, Annabel, Jaxson and Lenaya.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 27th at 11 a.m. at Bella Vista Lutheran Church, followed by lunch and then inurnment at the Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the church or Circle of Life Hospice.