Lynn E. Bender

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lynn E. Bender on April 12th, 2024, at the age of 71, in Dayton, Ohio. Lynn was born on May 2nd, 1952, to Mary and Robert Koogler in Dayton, Ohio. Lynn led a fulfilling life dedicated to education, family, community service, and Ohio State Football.

Lynn attended Fairmont East High School, where she excelled in tennis and field hockey. After graduating in 1970, she went on to THE Ohio State University, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and received her Bachelor's degree in home economics in 1975 before starting her teaching career at Miamisburg City Schools.

During her time teaching, Lynn also pursued her Master's degree from the University of Dayton, which she achieved in 1981. Lynn's passion for teaching Family and Consumer Sciences led her to serve Miamisburg for 30 years before her long awaited retirement in 2005.

In 1986, Lynn met Ralph Bender, who referred to her as the "wife of his life", and later married in 1988. Their union brought together their blended family, including Ralph's daughters Stacy and Mandy, and their son Ryan. Lynn and Ralph shared a love for an active lifestyle, enjoying activities like boating, tennis, their Old English Sheepdogs (Muffy and Abby), numerous rabbits, feeding the birds and walks in the Sugar Creek Reserve with their dear friends whom they loved so very much.

Lynn was a dedicated and passionate member of David's United Church of Christ, actively participating in various church groups and events. She had a compassionate heart and extended her warmth to all, including hosting family gatherings and being an integral part of her community. Lynn was also very active in the Greene County Ohio State Alumni Club and cherished the friendships she had with "The Buckeyes."

Lynn is preceded in death by her father Robert Koogler, brother Mark Koogler, and her loving husband Ralph E. Bender. She is survived by her mother Mary E. Koogler Bayman, son Ryan Bender, stepchildren Stacy (Jason) Tincher, Amanda (Rod) Cameron, grandchildren Brady (Kelsey), Brooke, Gage, and Eli, sister-in-law Vicki Koogler and nephews Nicholas (Rika) and Andrew.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at David's United Church of Christ (170 W David Rd, Dayton Ohio 45429) from 10 am to noon, with a service following at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to David's United Church of Christ in Lynn's memory. 

As a final statement of Lynn's commitment to education and the advancement of science and education, Lynn donated her body to the Wright State School of Medicine's Anatomical Gift Program. Once a few medical students learn to successfully fish out a gallbladder, she will be buried with her beloved husband Ralph in the Rockafield Cemetery located on the campus of Wright State University.

Lynn's legacy of love, compassion, sense of humor and commitment to education and community service will forever be cherished by those whose lives she touched. And as always, "Go Bucks!"