Date of Death: August 22, 2025
Service Details
Her family will receive friends Tuesday, August 26, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rick Fair officiating. She will be laid to rest in Poe’s Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Virginia Lucille Bender, age 89, passed away peacefully at CCMF, Cassopolis, MI, on August 22, 2025.
She was born April 23, 1936 in Hampton, Tennessee to Raymond Dellinger and Victoria (Crabtree).
Virginia was preceded in death by both her parents; husbands, William Bender and Faye Eugene Carpenter; sons, David Bender and Dennis Bender; stepson, Ladd Carpenter; grandchildren, Mark Edmisten, James Bender, and Martin Edmisten; and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by five children, Janet Bender Bontrager (Harlan), Scott Carpenter (Tammy), Melissa/Pennie Simerman (Scott), Cherie Conner (Doug), and Larry Carpenter; 24 grandchildren, 53+ great-grandchildren, and 12+ great-great-grandchildren.
Born an only child in Tennessee of humble simple Appalachian lineage, strong-willed and determined, southern Baptist. She migrated north with her parents as a teenager to Sturgis, Michigan. She was a daddy’s girl through and through. Her early work included the Transogram Toy factory, later Goodwill and Mister Donut. However, her first priority was always family and she far exceeded any measurable success and this is truly her legacy.
Additional Information
Donations in Virginia’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Sorry to hear of Virginia’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Growing up a a child , I just loved this woman. She always had a story to tell. She was so kind and welcoming to us kids. We could always expect a hug. Even as I got older…she still had a smile on and a hug to give. ♥️♥️
Thank you, Dawn for those kind words, appreciate it!
Mom so many people loved you and you will be deeply be missed by everyone you was my rock you made me the strong person I am today Thank you for being the best mom anyone could ask for
Love and miss you til I see you again RIP
💔 Janet 😪
Cheri& Larry, your mom was a very sweet lady . We met thru the Lake Section School years ! You all gave her the joy of many grand babies!
She was truly blessed with a large wonderful family!
Thank you Kitty and Gearhart family! Wonderful times and means alot to us that you remember our beautiful mama!
Grandma you were such a amazing strong woman I will truly miss you and hold you in my heart with so many memories growing up to now. My condolences to my family as they are going threw this tough time I love you all.. my apologies that I could not make the trip to be there with support at this time of need.. gma was a great woman who had a long life and a huge loving family behind her.. she’ll never be forgotten.. fly high Grandma you’ve gained your wings and you deserve them.. till I see you again love and miss you! ~ your granddaughter Manda Monistere
My condolences to all the family ❤️ You all are definitely in my prayers! Melissa I’m always here for you and if you need a shoulder to cry on we can cry together 🥹
My sincerest condolences! I remember her with fondness – she was so very sweet. Always smiling! I also remember nan and sis adored her so! What a legacy… from 1 is near 100… in her lifetime.! What a blessing she leaves. Prayers to all her family!
Goodby my dear old friend…. so many special memories…💕🩷💕
What a wonderful soul.My deepest condolences to Cheri and her family.
Thank you, Lena, mom loved your hugs!
Such a beautiful mama. My condolences to Janet and the whole family.
Rest easy grandma Virginia u will be missed love your great granddaughter McKenna