Laurette (Lou) Mae Bender passed away peacefully at Bay Ridge Assisted Living in Traverse City, MI, on November 25, 2023. "Though the body's at rest, the spirit is free!"

She was born to Warren and Katherine (Smith) Holdeman on the family farm near Wakarusa, Indiana, on November 20, 1924. She cherished many memories of growing up in a loving and faithful family which included grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as her wonderful immediate family. She loved both people and animals and was known to be caring, kind, friendly, and fun to all. After graduating from high school in 1942, Laurette worked in a manufacturing plant, making airplane parts for WWII. In the fall, she quit her job so she could attend Goshen College in Elkhart, IN. She then entered nursing school at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, while her high school sweetheart, Brice F. Bender, Jr., was away at war. Brice and Laurette were married July 28, 1946, in Wakarusa, IN. Lou received her RN degree in March, 1947, and she began working as a dental assistant until their first child was born in 1949. While her children grew, Lou served others in her church and neighborhood in Lafayette, IN, and volunteered at the local Head Start program. She became adept as a seamstress and cook. She even baked "world famous" pies, both for family and for a friend's restaurant in Elk Rapids, MI, where Brice and Lou moved in 1974. She also enjoyed working with the Elk Rapids Garden Club, and music was important to Laurette her whole life. Brice's work took him all around the U.S. as well as to many different countries, and, together, the couple traveled to 66 countries and enjoyed learning about different cultures and customs.

While faith and family were most important to Laurette, she knew how to be a true friend to everyone and tried to always let others know that they are priceless. With all her positivity, even when faced with trials, Lou's faith in God never wavered. Laurette was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church.

Laurette is survived by her three children, Dick (Barb) Bender, Jeanie (Phil) Dick, Sally (Bob) Mika; 16 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; special friend Al Kuepfer; and close family friend Mary Niessink Burget.

Preceding Laurette in death were her husband; her parents; her brother, Warren, Jr.; sister, Marge Reynolds; and two of her grandchildren, Aaron Mika and Aleah (Mika) Miller.

The family wishes to express much appreciation and gratitude for the excellent care provided by the staff of Bay Ridge and Hospice of Michigan.

A memorial service is being planned for June 26, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or to a charity of your choice.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com