Phyllis Kay Bender, 78, of St. Meinrad

Phyllis Kay Bender, 78, of St. Meinrad, went to be with her heavenly father on August 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at Heart-to-Heart Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana. 

Phyllis was born in Perry County on November 27, 1946, to Bernice and Alvin Lasher. She married the love of her life and grade school sweetheart, John Bender, on May 22,1965, and they were happily married for 60 years. 

She was a devoted catholic and lived out what it means to be a true servant of the Lord. She was a dedicated member of St. Meinrad Parish where she served in numerous roles throughout her life. She was a friend to many. She always saw the silver lining, found true beauty in the world around her, greeted everyone with a radiant smile, and never let anyone leave with an empty stomach. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, spending time with her grandchildren, tending to her beautiful flower gardens, spending time at the ocean, and sitting on the porch swing with her best friend, John. Phyllis will be deeply missed by those who were lucky enough to have known and loved her. 

She is survived by her husband, John; children, Missy Hoffman (Keith), Vicki Bolin (Chris), Sara Vaal (Aaron), and Drew Bender (Tonya). She was so proud of her grandchildren Alyssa, Erika, Logan, Grant, Spencer, Addy, Easton and Hudson along with her great-grandchildren Kali, Morgan and August. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Alvin Lasher; children, Patrick and Patricia Bender; and sisters, Ruth Ann Gentry (Gene), Alene Dauby (Joe), and Joella Evrard (Fred). 

The Bender family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayer, and care. Special thanks to the Heart-to-Heart hospice team for their compassion and kindness. 

A funeral mass for Phyllis Kay Bender will be held at 10:00 a.m., C.D.T., on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at St. Meinrad Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Meinrad Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 8:00-10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, prior to the mass at the church. Rainey Funeral Home in Dale has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. 

Condolences may be shared online at: www.raineyfuneralhome.com