Melissa Theoma Bender, 55, of Indiana Pa , passed away on September 25 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.
The daughter of Sue Stiteler Neal (Smith) of Indiana, her late stepfather David Stiteler and father Melvin Wolfgong of shippenville pa.
Melissa graduated from Indiana high school , she then went on to Clarion University and obtained her bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and elementary education, a few years later she received her master’s degree from IUP as a reading specialist. Melissa was a teacher in the Indiana school district for 23 years when she retired in June 2022. She was a member of Grace Church in Indiana Pa, and attended their cancer bible study group weekly. Melissa loved to be with her family whether that was the many family vacations or getting together for picnics and gatherings.
Surviving Melissa is her loving husband of 32 years and high school sweetheart Scott Bender, her children Alyssa Riley and husband Ethan of Homer City pa and Cameron Bender of Indiana pa. Her mother Sue Stiteler Neal and husband Paul of Indiana, pa, her siblings Megan Fisher and husband Andy of Homer City pa Travis Stiteler and wife Rachel of Pittsburgh pa. She is also survived by her mother and father in law Darell and Beverly Bender of indiana, pa, along with her sister in law Sondra Stipcak and husband Roger of Pennsdale pa. Melissa had 4 nephews Justin stipcak, Austin stipcak, Drew Fisher, Colton stiteler .
Proceeded in death by her stepfather David Stiteler , and many grandparents.
Visitation will be held Sunday 29th of September from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 at John Lefdahl funeral home of Indiana. Funeral services will be at John A Lefdahl funeral home on Monday September 30th at 11am with pastor Kathy Mihoerck officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Love of Life Campaign. https://www.irmc.org/foundation/ways-to-give/
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melissa T. (Wolfgang) Bender, please visit our floral store.
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