Nettie Irene Bender, 99, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 02, 2015, at the Main Street Manor in Russell.

Nettie was born on November 01, 1916, in rural Bunker Hill, Kansas, the daughter of Charles and Carrie Fisher.  She grew up in the Bunker Hill and Dorrance areas and graduated from Dorrance High School.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Bennie Bender on November 12, 1936 at the county courthouse in Hays, Kansas.  She also lived in Salina and she and Bennie moved to Pomona, California in 1956.  While in Pomona she worked as a school cook from 1956 to 1985 and moved back to Kansas.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, playing cards and working in the garden.

Surviving family include her nephew Clair Fisher and wife Bonnie of Russell and daughter in-law Luann Bender; step grandson Graham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bennie on April 04, 2007; son Steven Bender; brothers Fred, Doc, Charles and Verlin Fisher; sisters Ophal Hoien and Caroline Reeves. 

A graveside service to celebrate Nettie's life will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, December 04, 2015, at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Friday, December 04, 2015, at the mortuary.  Memorials can be given to Main Street Manor and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.