Alamosa- Alamosa resident Claude Oscar Bender, 91, passed away in his home the morning of October 28, 2014. He was born February 23, 1923 to Mahlon and Elizabeth Bender in Accident, Maryland. Claude married Viola Slabaugh on June 1, 1947 in Hartville, Ohio. He was a loving father and husband and lived many places throughout his very full life. Claude spent most of his life working as a clock and watch repairman and truly loved his work. Later in life he began working as a locksmith while still doing the occasional clock repair. He was very active in his local church and loved spending his evenings watching the Rockies play.
Claude is survived by his loving wife; Viola Bender, of Alamosa; his brother, Carl Bender; his children: Cheryle Gingerich of Seattle, WA, Lowell (Judy) Bender of Northglen, CO, Rebecca Bender of Alamosa, Regina (Robert) Rice of Alamosa, Nadine (Nathan) Kuehl of Windsor, CO, and Myrna (Stan) Miller of Laramie, WY. His Grandchildren: Heidi (Rob) Meerdink of Orange City, IA, Heather (Sarah Luthens) Gingerich of Seattle, WA, Lowell Gingerich of Kalona, IA, Rodney Gingerich of Seattle, WA, Eric Gingerich of Las Vegas, NV, Rachel (Josh Pranckun) Rice of Denver, Debra (Matthew) Bristol of Denver, Laurie (Jason) Pickett of Ft Collins, Lisa (Brett) Davis of Ft. Benning, GA, and Elisabeth and Jonathan Miller of Laramie, WY. He is also survived by 6 Great Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mahlon and Elizabeth Bender, and siblings; Sarah Yoder, Velma Miller, Olive Bender, Mabel West, Owen Bender, and Walter Bender.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 31 at the First Christian Church in Alamosa, CO. Cremation has been chosen and the ashes will be buried at a later date. To express condolences to the family or to sign an online guestbook, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com
Donations may be made to one of the following: Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) MCC U.S. 21 South 12th Street PO Box 500 Akron, PA 17501-0500 or online at www.mcc.org
Alamosa Senior Center 92 Colorado Avenue Alamosa, CO 81101
First Christian Church 518 First St Alamosa, CO 81101