Dona Marie (Fowler) Bender, 72, of Russell, Kansas passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Dona was born July 6, 1950 in Wichita, Kansas. She was the daughter of Donald and Lyla (Bruner) Fowler. She grew up in Wichita and graduated from North High School.
Dona was united in marriage to Larry Bender on March 21, 1981 in Milberger, Kansas. They made their home on a farm south of Russell.
Dona was a devoted wife and homemaker. When she was younger she worked as a Nurse’s Aid. She attended the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milberger. In her sparetime, she enjoyed gardening, bowling, crocheting, and collecting chickens and dolls.
Dona’s surviving family include her husband of 41 years, Larry of the home; son, Eric Battaglear (Missy) of Hoisington, Kansas; brothers, Ron Fowler (Glenna) of Valley Center, Kansas and Patrick Fowler (Karen) of Hillsboro, Kansas; sisters, Carolyn Stock (Keith Unterseher) of Flippin, Arkansas and Anita Davis (Denny) of Wichita, Kansas; four grandchildren, Jerica Battaglear and Stephanie Horton (Brian), Jason Battaglear and Danny Battaglear (Samantha Duran); four great grandchildren, Isabella Mickle, Danica Horton, Aurora Horton and Westin Lee Battaglear; and six nieces and four nephews.
Dona was preceded in death by her parents, son Jason Battaglear, and brothers Larry Fowler and Mike Fowler.
Celebration of Dona’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milberger. Burial will follow at the Bender Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial has been established as the Dona Bender Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.