Whanda Nadine Bender, 82 of Andover, Kansas and formerly of Russell died Sunday, November 8, 2009 at the Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care Home.  Nadine was born April 21, 1927 in Cullison, Kansas the daughter of Elby Eliss and Mildred Frances Nadine (Keyton) Romine.  She grew up in Pratt, Kansas and graduated from Pratt High School. 

Nadine was united in marriage to Vernon Phillip Bender on June 8, 1946 in Pratt.  This union was blessed with five children; Diana, Phyllis, Curtis, Kathy and Debora.  Phillip preceded her in death on May 27, 2001.

Nadine was a devoted mother and homemaker.  She also helped Phillip with his insurance business when they lived in Russell from 1957 to 1994. 

Nadine was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell.  When Nadine was not busy with the church she enjoyed bridge, sewing, knitting, croqueting and taking care of her children.

Surviving family include four children; Phyllis Lyon and husband Lindsey of Woodlands, Texas, Curtis Bender and wife Robin of Shawnee, Kansas, Kathy Nersesian and husband Charlie of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Debora Bender of Andover, Kansas; son-in-law Steve Mermis of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Virginia Pope of Hearst, Texas, Gladys Nease of Hugoton, Kansas and Joe Tredenick of Decatur, Texas; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Mermis and sister, Lydial Mae Woods.

Celebration of Nadine’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell with Pastor Terry McGuire officiating.  Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery of Russell.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A memorial has been established with Kansas City Hospice House.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Condolences may also be sent via email at www.pvpmortuary.com.