Susan Ann Bender

GALESVILLE – Susan Ann Bender, 43, of Galesville, died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at her home. She was born May 24, 1966 in Belvidere, Ill., to Thomas and MaryAnn (Lyga) Bender. Sue worked at Ashley Furniture in Whitehall. She was proud of her three girls. She was a loving, caring and generous mother and good friend to all. Sue had a beautiful personality and outgoing spirit. She had a gift to “gab”. Survivors include her three daughters, Kayla Donnette (fiancé Jesse Kupka) Bender of Osseo, Katlyn Ann Southwood and Amanda Marie “Lippy” Southwood both of Galesville; parents, Thomas and MaryAnn Bender of Osseo; brother, Thomas Lee (Denise) Bender of Ladysmith; sister, Tammy (fiancé Bill Kolve) Bowers of Whitehall; fiancé, Rick Kujak of Galesville; three nieces, Chelsea and Chasity Bowers and Tegan Bender, nephew, Payton Bender; Rick’s children, Tyler, Dylan and Caylin Kujak. She is further survived by aunts, uncles and cousins. Susan was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Keith Bowers; grandparents, Donald J. and Grace Bender and George and Marion Lyga. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Rev. David C. Kunz officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, where there will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church on Wednesday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Susan Ann Bender, please visit our flower store.