Susan Bender aged 85 of Wooster, Ohio passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on August 1st, 2024. She was born on December 27th, 1938, to the late Alfred and Hazel Perry.

Susan attended Doylestown High School where she graduated as a member of the Class of 1956. There she met her first husband Robert Musser, with whom she had four daughters.

Susan met the love of her life, John ‘Bud’ Bender in the mid-1980s, marrying on December 27th, 1986. In their nearly 38 years of marriage, Susan and Bud traveled extensively, visiting family and friends throughout the United States. Susan loved her husband dearly and supported him in all that he did, from his coaching career for Wooster High School to many memorable fishing trips throughout the United States and Canada.

Susan spent her professional life in the service of others, working in the Wayne County National Bank, Wooster City Schools, and as a Clerk in the Wayne County Commissioners Office, where she retired in 2002.

In all that she did, Susan exhibited a sense of warmth, fun, and sincere kindness. Susan had a love of music that spanned her life, from marching as a majorette in her high school band through singing in various choirs and ensembles throughout Northeast Ohio. Susan and Bud enjoyed hosting family and friends for games of ‘Mexican Train’ dominoes and made a formidable team in friendly games of Euchre.

For all of her talents and gifts, it was her family for which Susan was most grateful. Together, Susan and Bud were blessed with over thirty grandchildren and great grandchildren. For decades, Susan and Bud’s home played host to countless family gatherings, including dozens of warm and memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Following her retirement in 2002, Susan and Bud filled most of their time attending their grandchildren’s sporting and other extracurricular activities, showing constant support to family in all that they did. No birthday, anniversary, or other significant occasion passed without a card or phone call from Susan and Bud.

In addition to her husband of 37 years and her dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren, Susan is survived by daughters, Katheryn Bracken of Amelia Courthouse, Virginia; Jennifer (John) Slaydon of Pickerington, Ohio; Angie (Tony) Birk of Katy, Texas; stepson John (Pam) Bender of Wooster, Ohio, stepdaughters Valerie (Greg) Bachman of Jefferson City, Tennessee; Kimberly Barlow of Dandridge, Tennessee; sisters, Alyce Slabaugh of Beverly Hills, Florida; Judy Baughman of Clinton, Ohio; Jerrie Whitehead of Wooster, Ohio; brother, Alfred (Nancy) Perry of Wooster, Ohio.

Besides her parents, Susan was preceded in death by her sisters, June, Patricia, Pauline, and her brothers Philip and Charles.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family offers that memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne County Public Library, 220 West Liberty St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 of which Susan was a longtime patron and supporter.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster will be assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com