Evelyn Bender

Evelyn Bender passed away on October 12, 2021 in Castaic, CA with both her daughters by her side. She was 101 years old. Evelyn was born in Irvine, Alberta, Canada to Elizabeth and August Wonnenberg. She grew up on the family farm in Woolchester, Alberta with her parents and six siblings. Her two younger brothers, Fred and Clarence, reside in British Columbia, Canada today. 

After leaving home at the age of 21, Evelyn moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta where she met her future husband, Elington Bender. Elington was an American citizen from Harvey, ND, living with his family in Alberta. They married on September 10, 1944 and moved to Great Falls in 1945. Evelyn became a naturalized US citizen in 1952.

Evelyn was a housewife for most of her married life but went to work at the Cascade Convalescent Hospital as a nurse’s aide in 1966 to put her daughters through college. She retired from there in 1982.

Evelyn and Elington enjoyed fishing and camping at numerous lakes in Montana throughout the years. They ventured out of state to Utah, Arizona and Alaska, camping and fishing along the way. They loved bowling and were longtime members of the Moose Lodge. They also enjoyed numerous excursions to New York and California via Las Vegas to visit their children and families. 

In May of 2013, Evelyn and Elington moved to California to live with their daughter Sheila. After a long fight with Alzheimer’s, Elington passed away in January 2015.  For Evelyn’s 99th birthday in 2019 the entire family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, met in Castaic for the celebration.

Survivors include her two daughters, Geraldine Berrios of Syracuse, NY and Sheila Garrett of Castaic, CA; four grandchildren, Andre Berrios, Miguel Berrios, Allyson Petrie, and Matthew Tews. Evelyn and Elington were also blessed with seven great grandchildren, Liam, Mia, Jayden, Connor, Asa, Maize and baby Evelyn.

A celebration of life will be held in Great Falls in the spring of 2022 for Evelyn and Elington together.

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