Cecelia Bender

Cecelia I. Bender, 89, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 2, 1931, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Herbert and Barbara Exler Borchelt. She and Arthur J. Bender were married May 27, 1956. He passed away July 22, 2007.

Cecelia attended grade school at Egypt Mills and graduated from College High School. She worked at International Shoe Co. and at Southeast Missouri State University. Cecelia was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills.

Loving survivors include four children, Cindi Norris of St. Louis, Tim (Anna) Bender of Jackson and Linda (Marty) Fowler and Steven Bender, both of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren, Jessica Norris, Kelsey (Chris) Salmon, Corey (Maggie Neumiller) Fowler, Hayden Fowler and Catlin Bender; and a sister, Virginia Break of Cape Girardeau.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, parents and a brother, Eugene Borchelt.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Barry Pfanstiel officiating. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Egypt Mills.

The family suggests contributions be made to Breakings Bonds Ministries, c/o New McKendree Methodist Church, 225 South High St, Jackson, Missouri.

McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Cecelia's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.