I was a childhood friend and classmate of Orpha. I recognized Mrs. Bender in the paper this week because her smile and eyes were the same as Orpha's. As I look back on our school days, I realize that Orpha and I both were independent, good students,and didn't give in to peer pressure,; Orpha was very private and her untimely death has stayed with me all these years. I remember struggling with attempting to write a letter to her family (not sure if I ever did get it sent). We never realize how our lives are intertwined and the effect we have on others. Elizabeth must have been a very talented, hard-working woman. I'm sure she will be missed greatly by her family and many others. May you all have vivid mental pictures of her smile in your hearts, just as I still have of Orpha.

- Linda (Plank) Huber

I shall always remember Aunt Lizzie's warm smile and warm hospitality. In that way, she always reminded me of her mother and my mother. I always experienced Lizzie as non-judgmental and ready to listen, which made it enjoyable to be around her.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.

We were so sorry to hear about Elizabeth's passing and wish we could be there on Friday. We are thinking about you all and send our prayers and love. Marnie, Max, Tae, Brian, and Riley

Dear John, Dorothy and family,

Elizabeth will always be fondly remembered in our hearts. The way she and John loved and supported our family has always been a God-send. They have left an eternal deposit in our lives changing for the better, the way we lived our lives.

We remember her as always the quiet support and encourager of those around her the pursuer of more' in God eager to abstain from negative talk about others and always expressing her unwavering faith in God. Her warm hospitality, fine down-home cooking, much canning, homemade peanut butter and pearl tapioca were just some of the ways she warmed our hearts.

In a much more eternal way, her life in the Spirit and intercessory prayer for our family was, I'm sure, more life-changing than we even know. The church-life that the Bender family enjoyed was very infectious to me as a young lad and in many ways has been a high-water mark on my life as that is where I prayed the sinner's prayer' with Dad Stevens and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at a summer youth camp experienced the culture of the prophetic in the gatherings all water-shed occasions in my life, to be sure.

We have missed John and Elizabeth stopping by our home the last few years. They always had great stories to tell of how God was breaking out somewhere new and they were just there to witness it. I love that virtue always being on the hunt'. And I believe God does too!!

Elizabeth, we honor your life, your legacy and your love. We expectantly look forward to joining you in God's timing. God bless your fruit that remains.

John, Dorothy and family, in the absence of Elizabeth, we declare the peace of God to rule and reign over your hearts and comfort your souls.

Speaking on behalf of my whole family, including my late father, Jack Hendrickson and my mother Mary, dear Bender family, we love you and honor you.

Much grace to you!!!

Mark and Debbie Hendrickson

Elizabeth was the most beautiful person I know. But Im sure you know this. She set a great example for everyone. I only wish I had her faith. Bless Her Heart.

I am sorry for your loss, yet grateful that our paths had crossed. Although I did not know Elizabeth very long I was touched by her kind words. It sounds as though there are so many fond family memories, may they help you smile during this sad time.