Shirley Bender, daughter of the late James Townsend and Myrtle Williams Townsend was born on May 23, 1938 in Fisk, Missouri and departed this life on April 4, 2017 at the Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Center in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 78.

Mrs. Bender was a member of The Apostolic Church in Puxico, Missouri and a former employee of the International Hat Company in Dexter for over 25 years and a resident of rural Dudley.

She was united in marriage to Louis Eugene “Gene” Bender on March 6, 1959 in Dexter, Missouri.  Gene preceded her in death on May 13, 2006.

She is survived by one son, Steve Bender (Melanie) of Florence, Alabama; one daughter, Lesa Aslin (Tim) of Dexter, Missouri; by four brothers, Carl Townsend of Dexter, Pete Townsend of Jackson, Jerry Townsend of Dudley, Larry Townsend of Pacific, Mo; by two sisters, JoAnn Horn of Farmington, Mo and Emma Lou Hobbs of Jonesboro, Ark; by three grandchildren, Steven Bender (Jennifer), Jennifer Aslin, and Matthew Bender; by two great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Bender and Jackson Bender.

Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by four brothers, Jack Townsend, David Townsend, Louie Townsend and Bob Townsend.

Friends may call at the Rainey Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Brad Helm and Rev. Steve Bender officiating.  Interment will follow at the Hagy Cemetery.