Kathrine "Katie" Jane Bender Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Kathrine “Katie” Jane Bender was called to eternal life at sunrise on February 19, 2021, while surrounded at home by family. Born to Beth and Frank Bender on December 25, 1985 she was the third of four children. Being a Christmas baby was just one of many things that set Katie apart. Katie grew up on her family’s farm outside of Poseyville, enjoying the simple freedoms of rural America and the blessings of a small community. From a young age Katie had a powerful mothering instinct. Under her watch each of the many barn cats would be named, and groomed into submission, and their kittens were treated as her own. She had an affinity for God’s creatures and loved them with her whole heart. As a 4-H member, she raised calves, hogs, goats and chickens. No matter their size, smell, or their resistance to it… they would all be mothered and loved. Katie loved people, and cherished her friendships deeply. She was disarmingly honest, funny, authentic, resilient and vulnerable, and always seemed to see the best in those around her. As a devoted member of St. Wendel Catholic Church, she never let anyone off the hook for missing mass, or forgetting their Lenten observations. Her siblings considered Katie the true test when it came to determining if their marriage prospects were “keepers” or not. Katie was blessed with a large extended family and much of her childhood was spent surrounded by this loving tribe, camping and boating amongst a swarm of cousins…watched over by aunts, uncles and grandparents. Early on, she attended North Elementary grade school and then transitioned into homeschooling to complete junior high and high school. Thereafter, she went on to pursue college courses at Ivy Tech and eventually took up working alongside her mother remodeling rental properties in Evansville. It was not until Katie was diagnosed later in her life with Cockayne Syndrome, a rare degenerative neurological disorder, that many of her limitations became better understood. Katie had an incredible work ethic and a contagious enthusiasm for life. Though she remained at home living with her parents, Katie gained a great sense of confidence from not only being an egg farmer, but renovating and renting two of her own properties. This income would come to support one of Katie’s most notable habits… the abundance of Christmas gifts that she stockpiled throughout the year for most everyone she knew. Her generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds. ‘Christmas Kate’ loved to see people happy. Yet of all the gifts Katie gave over her lifetime, potentially the most impactful was her example… her ability to get up and keep trying despite adversity… and to love and accept those around her. Her bright spirit, love of life and easy laugh will be deeply missed. She is survived by her parents Frank and Beth Bender, Poseyville, IN, sister Holly (Eric) O’Neill, Indianapolis, IN, brother Jan (Julia) Bender, El Dorado Hills, CA and brother Dale Bender and his fiancé, Alicia Meklas, Evansville, IN. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Azalea O’Neill, Clive O’Neill, Ronin Bender, Nariah Bender, Cruz Bender, Mila Bender and Laney Bender, along with her loyal companion and aunt, Linda (Jude) Blankenberger. A Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2021 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Poseyville, Indiana. Father Ed Schnur officiating. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m., with a Memorial service at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Posey County 4-H Council 126 E. Third St., Room 29, Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620. Due to the national health crisis and the state mandate, masks are required and social distancing should be observed. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com.

Kathrine "Katie" Jane Bender

December 25, 1985 - February 19, 2021

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