Richard F and Lura V Bender

Richard Frank Bender, 88, of Kimball Township, died on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

He was born January 27, 1937 in Detroit, MI to the late Norman and Mary Bender.

Lura Victoria Bender, 87, of Kimball Township, preceded Richard in death on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

She was born November 24, 1937 in Detroit, MI to the late Charles and Lura A. Sansone.

Richard and Lura fell in love the first time they met and were married on November 3, 1953. They enjoyed over 71 years of marriage.

Richard was employed at Chrysler Assembly Plant in Detroit, MI as a hammerman for 20 years.

Lura was employed at Champion Manufacturing Co. in Capac, MI as a seamstress for 20 years.

Together they enjoyed their four surviving children: Linda Kay Bender (Tobey), Dawn Evelyn Bender (Greg J. Stone), Gilbert Ward Bender and Richard Norman Bender (Roberta A. Bender), along with their many grandchildren, great grandchildren; and one surviving sister, Joyce C. Sansone (Williamson).

One of Richard and Lura’s journeys of life was when they moved to Sturgis, MI where they continued their successful Victorian artistry business called “Lura’s Originals.” They loved their store, but also enjoyed selling their “one of a kind” products at Shipshewana Trading Place Market in Indiana.

The most important venture they embraced was their faith as Jehovah’s Witnesses, which gave them a happy, meaningful life and a wonderful hope for their future.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com