Ella Mae 'Alice' Bender

MADISON/ZEPHYR HILLS, FLA.- Ella Mae Alice Bender, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on Aug. 19, 1928, in Cottonwood, Idaho, the daughter of Gus and Bernadine (Sonnen) Wensman. Ella Mae married Harry A. Bender on July 23, 1949, in Cottonwood, Idaho. Ella Mae and Harry met in Spokane, Wash., while Harry was serving in the Air Force. They were assigned to several different bases during Harrys time in the service and came to Madison in 1985. Ella Mae worked for American Family Insurance for several years. She loved spending time gardening, cooking and was known for her special homemade sauce. Ella Mae was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Gale and Barbara Bender of Madison; sister-in-law, Brenda Bender of Dover, Del.; and many nieces and nephews. Ella Mae was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers; and a sister. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 p.m., on Friday, April 29, 2011. Burial of cremains will follow at Cambria Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Cemetery: Burial of cremains will follow at Cambria Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 p.m., on Friday, April 29, 2011.