Ella Mae Bender-Bushell, 84, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, May 13, 2012, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.

Ella was born on May 2, 1928, in Hoisington, Kansas, the daughter of Rueben and Katherine (Miller) Michaelis.  She grew up and attended country schools in Susank, Kansas.  She met fell in love and was united in marriage to Edwin Bender on February 17, 1946, in Russell, Kansas.  From this union they were blessed with four children Dwayne, Sharon, Melissa and Robert.  Edwin preceded Ella in death on April 27, 1984.  Ella was blessed to fall in love for a second time and was united in marriage to Louis Bushell on May 10, 1986 in Russell.  For many years, Ella worked as a housekeeper with the nursing home currently known as Wheatland Nursing Center in Russell.  She enjoyed gambling, bowling, dancing, playing bingo, birds and gardening.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Surviving family include her husband Louis Bushell of the home; son Dwayne Bender of Russell; daughters Sharon Norris of Salina, Kansas and Melissa Landis of Russell; brother Kenny Michaelis of Florida; 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Edwin, son Robert L. Bender, brother Clifford Michaelis and sister Victoria Ehrlich.

A celebration of Ella’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Pohlman-Varner- Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at the mortuary with the family present to greet guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.