Lavonne E. “Connie” Bender, 94, of Sunrise of Naperville North Assisted Living in Naperville, IL, formerly of Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Edward Hospital in Naperville.
Connie was born December 24, 1925, in Clyde Township, IL, to Reuben and Annetta M. (Fredricks) Conrady. She was educated in the Greenwood Grade School of rural Whiteside County and was a 1943 graduate of Morrison High School in Morrison. She was also a graduate of Morse School of Cosmetic Art in Galesburg, IL. Connie married Leroy M. Wright on October 27, 1946, in Sterling, IL. He died January 2, 1985. She then married Leonard W. “Lenny” Bender on July 25, 1987, in Morrison. He died a day before her on November 9, 2020. Connie was first employed by the Green River Ordinance Depot and then was a livestock truck driver for her father. She later owned and operated Connie’s Beauty Shop in Morrison until retiring in 2006. Connie was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison and was a member and Secretary of the church’s WELCA. She served with the church quilters, was a Sunday school teacher, and was a Recorder for Thrivent Financial Services. Connie was Clyde Township Clerk and a Trustee for the North Clyde Cemetery. She had served in various offices of the Rock River Hairdressers Association and was a 4-H leader. Connie enjoyed sewing and gardening and was known as a true “people person.”
Survivors include daughters, Linda Johnson of Rockford, IL, Lana (Gary Cook) Smith of Decatur, IL, and Lori Belha of Warrenville, IL; step-daughter, Leanne (Steve) Earhart of Hampton, IL; step-son, Randy (Retha) Bender of Bettendorf, IA; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands, Leroy and Lennie.
A private graveside Service will be held at Woodhull Cemetery in Woodhull, IL.
There will be no Visitation or Funeral Service.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established to Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL.