Rita Bender

A devout Catholic and woman of exceptional love and compassion, Rita Marie Kusnir Bender passed away August 5, 2014 at the age of 70. Daughter of Michael and Catherine Kusnir, Rita was born August 14, 1943 in Akron, Ohio, the fourth of seven children. Rita was a remarkable friend, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Bender, Sr.; sister, Josephine Cable; and brother, Michael Kusnir. She is survived by her children: Edward Louis Bender Jr. (Hildegard), Lawrence Joseph Bender (Juanita), Susan Marie Mattingly (Joseph), and Alisa Ann Kepple (Timothy); sisters: Patricia Savage, Barbara Halliwell (Jerry), and Marilyn Greer (Terry); brother: John Kusnir; grandchildren: Jennifer (Johnny), Sarah, Johnathan (Erica), Jessica, Rachael, Elliot, Morgan, Taylor, Alex, and Ky; and great-grandchildren: Faith, Mateo, and Olivia and countless nieces and nephews that she always made feel like they were her favorite. All who knew Rita share in memories of her immense capacity for laughter and love. She shared a wealth of stories and inside jokes, ranging from the regaling tales of vivid dreams to a turkey-butt nose. And she could always make someone laugh with her pickle eating habits, pealing them and drinking the juice too. Her cooking was famous-apple dumplings, chocolate layer cakes, stuffed cabbage, and hot rice being only a few of the delicacies those around Rita enjoyed. Among her many passions, Rita thoroughly enjoyed retail therapy, saving a buck, fishing, boating, bingo, slot machines and especially playing cards (which she typically won). Rita possessed a smile that was a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who knew her, particularly among her many support groups, such as 'Heads Up No Boundaries,' 'Walsh University Father Matthew Herttna Counseling Group,' and 'Exercise for the Physically Challenged' at the North Canton YMCA. In all these memories, and more, we share. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2952 Edison St., Uniontown. Immediately following mass, please join us for a celebration of Rita's life with a meal served in the Social Hall. Friends may call on Sunday, August 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home at 500 E. Exchange Street, Akron, where there will be a remembrance service at 4:30 p.m.