Charlotte E. Bender, 83, Plymouth, passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 in Pilgrim Manor nursing home.

Charlotte was born Nov. 14, 1933 in Chicago, Ill. to Harold A. and Charlotte J. (Hall) Gritten. She was a lifelong resident of the Marshall county area. She and John managed the family farm and raised their 3 daughters. She was a graduate of the West High School Class of 1952. She was also a member of Trinity United Methodist church and Delta Theta Tau. Charlotte became the bride of the “love of her life” John E. Bender on June 27, 1952 in a ceremony in Plymouth.

Charlotte is survived by her loving husband, John E. Bender, Plymouth; three daughters: Christine and Steve Swihart, Bremen; Cathy and Jeff Gurtner, Plymouth; and Cheryl and Tim Swihart, Plymouth; also surviving are three sisters: Shirley Johnson, Plymouth; Carolyn Lawrence, Morton Grove, Ill.; and Pauline Gritten, Tennessee; her brother, Paul Gritten; six grandchildren: Stephen Swihart, Christen White, Shane Gurtner, Carrie Silverman, Tara Mucho and Corrie VanWanzeele; eight great grandchildren.

Charlotte is preceded in passing by her parents, and her brother, Wayne Gritten.

The Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Bender family. A funeral service in honor of Charlotte will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Van Gilder Funeral Home 300 West Madison Street Plymouth, IN 46563 with Pastor Charles Krieg officiating. Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery.

A time of visiting with the Bender family will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Van Gilder Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in Charlotte’s name may be made to the donor’s choice.