Karen Marie Bender

Karen Marie Bender, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at age 79 on November 5, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on March 5, 1945, in Denver, Colorado, to Kenneth and Doris Hess, Karen grew up in Denver and went on to attend college in Nebraska, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a vibrant part of campus life as President of her sorority and a feature twirler.

 Karen married Kenneth Wayne Bender on April 7, 1967. The couple settled in Wheatridge, Colorado, where they welcomed sons Timothy and Troy Bender. They also mourned the loss of their daughter, Teresa, who was stillborn. The family later relocated to Billings, Montana, where they adopted Taren Bender from Seoul, South Korea. Karen balanced raising her family and helping with the family farm while also establishing a successful home-based business with HomeCo, Home Interiors, earning many awards for her dedication and hard work.

In 1987, Karen and her family moved to Texas, where she continued her education, obtaining a paralegal license from SMU. She worked with a solo-practice attorney for nearly 30 years. She became deeply involved in the First Baptist Church of Garland, enjoying her time with the choir and Sunday School class. She cherished annual trips with Sunday school friends to Branson, Missouri, and eventually she and Ken built a log cabin retreat in East Texas for friend and family gatherings. Karen was known for the two things she loved greatly in life, her love of traveling and her love of anything Christmas.

 Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, daughter Teresa, and grandson Draven.

Karen is survived by her children, Tim Bender (Cyndi), Troy Bender (Dee), and Taren Hill (Bruce); her grandchildren, Zachary, Krysanne, Kayla, Holly, Aaron, Hannah, Laura, and Haylee; and great-grandchildren, Laiken, Riley, Tatum, Emory, Nyla, Ashton, and Denali.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home 2343 Gage Rd., Lavon, Texas 75166. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a service and interment at 2:00 pm. All family and friends are invited to share memories and honor her legacy.