Martha Bender

Martha Ellen Stovall Bender died peacefully surrounded by her loving family early Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 92 years of age.

She was born Sept. 28, 1928, in Jackson to Mattie Morton Stovall and Earl Wilson Stovall Sr.

Martha graduated from Jackson High School in 1946. She attended Southeast Missouri State College, being active in The Hesperian Society, the Thespians and the a cappella choir. On a regional choir tour, Martha met and went dancing with her future husband, Kenneth E. Bender. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in social science May 15, 1950. She and Ken were married at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson that same afternoon.

Martha later received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and taught at Jefferson Elementary School. Afterward, she studied library science and served as a librarian at Kent Library for nearly 10 years.

Martha spent many years as a community volunteer, dedicated particularly to the founding of the Cape River Heritage Museum. Other interests over the years included Garden Club, PEO, Cape Girardeau Bicentennial Commission chairwoman, Riverfest organizer and Missouri Advisory Council to the National Register of Historic Places appointed by Gov. Kit Bond. Martha was an avid reader, bridge player and gardener, as well as an accomplished cook and decorator.

Martha Bender

After the birth of their two daughters, the family became charter members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. Martha and Kenneth also chaired St. Andrew's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

She and Ken celebrated their 25th anniversary with a European tour, a later one with a trip to the British Isles, 50th with a family celebration at Melhana Plantation, 60th on a Caribbean cruise with their daughters and spouses, and 70th with a dinner and 50-car parade of friends and well-wishers at their home.

Martha is survived by her husband of 71 years, Kenneth; daughters, Rebecca (John) Van Wagner and Kimberly (Ron) Foltz; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; her infant sister; her brother, Earl Jr., and grandson, Clayton Bender Van Wagner.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 25, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

The service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 26, at the church, with burial following at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery. Afterward, a luncheon will be served at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cape River Heritage Museum or St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.