Emma (Gunden) BENDER

GUNDEN, SWARTZENDRUBER, GUNDEN, SHOWALTER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/7/2006 at 20:27:13

Emma Bender, daughter of John and Mary (Swartzendruber) Gunden, was born on Johnson Co., Ia., Feb. 14, 1881; died March 10, 1934; aged 53 y. 26 d. When a small child she moved with her parents to McPherson Co., Kans., and later the family returned to Iowa, spending a few years in Johnson Co., and then moved to Wright Co. There she was baptized and received into the church fellowship at about the age of 16. She remained a faithful Christian from the beginning until the Lord called her home. On Oct. 30, 1904, she was married to Amelius Bender. They spent the whole of their married life on the old Bender homestead, where she died. To this union were born 2 children (Lola, wife of Harry Showalter, and Lloyd, both living at home). She was one of a family of 14 children, 1 son and 1 daughter having died in infancy. She leaves her husband and her children, 2 grandchildren, her mother of Pigeon, Mich., her father-in-law, (Bro. Daniel Bender, who is in his ninetieth year), 4 brothers, 7 sisters, and many other relatives and friends. About four years ago she underwent a serious operation which left her in somewhat failing health. For the last six months she has been failing more rapidly, and about a week before her death she suffered an attack of influenza, which, in her enfeebled condition, she was unable to resist. She was a woman of a quiet, unassuming disposition, sober in judgment, thoughtful and helpful to her neighbors and friends, kind to her family and sincere in her service for Christ.

"God called dear Mother home to rest Away from pain and care, Some day, ah happy time, "twill not be long We'll meet her there." The funeral was held at the West Union Mennonite church where she held her membership, conducted by Abner G. Yoder and Harvey Yoder. Text, Isa. 30:15. Burial in West Union Cemetery.

Gospel Herald 26 April 1934