This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Bender, Vande Water, Helmink, Lugers, Nyland, Gilcrest, Wiersma, Helmink Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/QFB.2ACE/1481 Message Board Post: Mrs. Edna Mae Bender, age 83, of Holland, formerly of Middleville, went to be with her Lord and Savior Dec. 27, 2003 at Freedom Village, Holland. Mrs. Edna M. Bender was born on Aug. 20, 1920 at Holland, the daughter of Henry and Hattie (Vande Water) Helmink. She was raised in Holland and attended Holland High School, graduating in 1938, Western Michigan University graduated with B.A. in 1942. She was married to Elmer M. Bender on Aug. 27, 1943 in Augusta. She was employed as a teacher at Thornapple Kellogg School in Middleville and Hastings High School in Hastings. She was a member of Middleville United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church in Holland. She was a life member of NEA and MEA. She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer (Mike) Bender and son, Tim Bender. She is survived by four sisters, Jean Lugers of Birmingham, Betty Nyland of Holland, Carol (Don) Gilcrest of Holland and Jane (Rog) Wiersma of White Plains, N.Y.; two brothers, Lee Helmi! nk of Saugatuck and Cecil (Shirley) Helmink of Holland; several nieces, nephews and many friends. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003 at the Beeler Funeral Chapel, Middleville. Rev. Dr. William Dobbs officiating. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Beeler Funeral Home, MIddleville. (The Hastings "Reminder" - Tuesday, January 6, 2004.) Transcriber has no family connection.