Wilma Jean Bender, 81, of Freeport, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2005 at home.
Wilma was born on July 15, 1923 in Freeport. She was the daughter of Walter Edward John and Florence Irene (Mellen) Jacobs.
On May 16, 1953 she married James Edward Bender.
Wilma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- grand mother, and great- great grand mother.
Wilma is survived by her husband James (Beaver) Bender, three daughters: Claudia Gagnon Smith (Nicholas), Elaine Gagnon Myers (James) both of Freeport and Teresa Bender Fyock (Daniel) of Scioto Mills. Grandchildren: Sarah Burns (Darryl), Anastasia Keech (Jason), Nicholas Smith, Alexandra Smith, Christopher Smith; Monique Kerr, Michelle Beske (Miles), Michael Myers; Jason Fyock (April), Rebecca Rosenstiel (Richard), and Laura Fyock. Great Grand Children: Alicia Leiser (Scott), Ashley Thompson, Joshua Kerr, Zachary Masa-Myers; Bailee and Braedon Fyock, Daniel and Derek Rosenstiel. Great-Great Grand Children: Devin Leiser, Peyton Skeel. Also, her sisters: Dorothy Getty (William), Nina McLaughlin, Joanne Hutmacher (Roger), and one brother William Jacobs (Lois); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Wilma was an avid bingo fan and enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends. She also enjoyed travel, meeting new people and seeing new places. She especially enjoyed ballroom dancing with her husband. But, most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents; two brothers: Walter and James Jacobs; her stepmother, Emma Wilemina Jacobs; and her great-grandaughter Sydney Beske.
A commemorative gathering for everyone in celebration of Wilma's life will be held from 11:00-3:00 on Saturday July 9, 2005 at the Fraternal Order of the Elks, 608 West Stephenson Street, Freeport, Il.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for FHN Hospice.
Cremation rites have been accorded Please Sign & View the Family Guest Book at www.walkermortuary.com