Darlene Bender
xx xx, xxxx - xx xx, xxxx
DARLENE R. BENDER, 80, formerly of Columbia City, died Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Tampa, FL. Born December 19, 1941 in Ligonier, IN, she was a daughter of Phil and Ellen (Goodrich) Metzger. Her formative years were spent in Columbia City, IN, where she was the valedictorian of Columbia City High School's Class of 1959. She went on to get her teacher certification from Ball State University and her Master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Darlene was a life-long learner and teacher for 33 years who generously shared her knowledge of world cultures and languages with hundreds of students. She also held an Indiana real estate license and volunteered on numerous community activity boards. She enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, exercising, playing African drums, reading and doing crossword puzzles. She is survived by her husband, Lester Bender of St. James City, FL; two children, Heather (Patrick) Schutte of Dexter, MI and Marlene (Richard) Lewis of Columbia City, IN; four grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by two sisters, Sandara Baade and Shirley (Roger) Helle and two brothers, Gary Metzger and Kim Metzger. Private graveside service will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ronald Mcdonald House Charities (https://donate.rmhccin.org/) or Moffitt Cancer Center (give.moffit.org).
Condolences
Nurse Katrina
Darlene was a gentle, kind soul, she always brought smiles to our faces when she was in the clinic. She will be greatly missed and may her legacy of kindness and joy live on. My condolences to Mr. Bender and family for this great loss.
Jill Hanna
I taught with Darlene for many years at Angola Middle School. She taught foreign language. She was an intelligent, successful, enthusiastic team player on our 7th grade team. I am sure she is respected by many and will be missed.
Kathy Aldrich
Oh, Dar! We taught in side-by-side rooms for decades in Angola Middle School, and I have such great memories of her! She made French berets for every student in her class and the kids wore them while they had "French Cafe" day. She taught students to sing "Everybody Loves Saturday Night" in French, and Christmas carols. She went to Paris one year for Thanksgiving because she and Les didn't have other plans. She said they didn't do turkey, but it was still great. She was dynamic and caring and imaginative, and she taught every class with flair and dedication. She made me want to be better. I believe I was, because she showed me how. Rest peacefully, dear lady.
Kathy Aldrich
Oh, Dar! We taught in side-by-side rooms for decades in Angola Middle School, and I have such great memories of her! She made French berets for every student in her class and the kids wore them while they had "French Cafe" day. She taught students to sing "Everybody Loves Saturday Night" in French, and Christmas carols. She went to Paris one year for Thanksgiving because she and Les didn't have other plans. She said they didn't do turkey, but it was still great. She was dynamic and caring and imaginative, and she taught every class with flair and dedication. She made me want to be better. I believe I was, because she showed me how. Rest peacefully, dear lady.
Kathy Aldrich
Oh, Dar! We taught in side-by-side rooms for decades in Angola Middle School, and I have such great memories of her! She made French berets for every student in her class and the kids wore them while they had "French Cafe" day. She taught students to sing "Everybody Loves Saturday Night" in French, and Christmas carols. She went to Paris one year for Thanksgiving because she and Les didn't have other plans. She said they didn't do turkey, but it was still great. She was dynamic and caring and imaginative, and she taught every class with flair and dedication. She made me want to be better. I believe I was, because she showed me how. Rest peacefully, dear lady.
June Deardorff
I taught in the same school with Darlene, she was a super teacher and an all around great person. So glad our paths crossed.
CCHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF AND FOND MEMORIES OF DARLENE R. METZGER BENDER, CCHS ALUMNI CLASS OF 1959. THE ALUMNI OF CCHS EXTENDS SINCERE CONDOLENCES, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO DARLENE'S FAMILY. WWW.CCHSAA.ORG per TLG
Kathy m Driver
Darlene was such a intelligent person who knew a little bit about EVERYTHING. She had so many life experiences and wonderful travels that she would share with people. She was someone I looked up to and will be missed by many.