Connie Sue (Gerst) Bender

Connie Sue (Gerst) Bender, 73, of Salisbury passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Novant Health Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House.

Born in Burlington, IA on August 20, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Cleo Alice (Mehaffy) Gerst and Herbert R. Gerst.

Mrs. Bender worked for Rowan Helping Ministries in Salisbury for 14 years where she was always known to go above and beyond to help others. As a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church, she was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord, her family, church, and community.  Mrs. Bender had a true passion for reading, which she instilled deeply in her children. Her family was her world, whether traveling together, playing games, sitting around and talking, or simply spending time together.  Above all, she was the spiritual foundation of her family, guiding them with wisdom and instilling them all with a strong moral center.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Billy and Dick Gerst, and great-granddaughter, Nova.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 53 years, Michael Ray Bender; sons, Michael Bender, Jr. (Rachel), Jason Bender, Joshua Bender (Jennifer), and Justin Bender; brothers, Randy Gerst (Juanita) and Jim Gerst (Laurie); sisters, Sally Schrock and Annette Brown; grandchildren, Alexandra, Mikayla, Rhianna, Angelina, Morgen, Gabriella, Stella, Casey, Carly, and Quinn.

A memorial service will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023 at Trinity Wesleyan Church, 2200 Mooresville Rd, Salisbury, NC 28147 with Pastor Randy Addison officiating. A private inurnment will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery.

If so inclined, memorial donation can be made in her name to Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N. Long St., Salisbury, NC 28144

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Bender family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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