Gary Ray Bender

Gary Ray Bender, 73, passed away on April 27th, 2026 in Brush Prairie, WA. He was born to Ronald and Carol Potter Bender on January 11th, 1953, in Albuquerque, NM.

As a young teen he was pricked in his heart by the Holy Spirit, he then began searching for a living and saving faith. God led him to Alaska and at the age of 20, he was given the grace to believe as a sinner.

On August 12th, 1977, he married Renee Foley. They started their life together in Anchorage, AK before moving to Clark County in 1979. Together they were blessed with 6 children.

Gary worked many years at Bonneville Power Administration and retired in 2019. He enjoyed working with his loom, gardening, and visiting his many Christian friends.

Following the death of Renee, he was blessed with another Christian helpmate and on December 18th, 2020 Gary was united in marriage to Julie Hendrickson. Through this union Gary also gained many extended family members, which he cherished deeply.

Gary was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, and was a steadfast example to all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his wife Julie of Brush Prairie, WA. His children, Cherie-Lynne (Michael) Webb of Pasco, WA; Raymond (Jolene) Bender of Watertown, SD; Tiffany Bender of Palmer, AK; Kathleen (Erik) Koskiniemi of Brush Prairie WA; Stephany Redinger of Watertown, SD; Kimberly Bender of Ranchester, WY; 34 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; Julie's children with their families; his father Ronald (Janet) Bender of Sun City, AZ; brother, Curtis (Mary) Bender of Severance, CO; many nieces and nephews and a host of Christian friends.

He was preceded in death by his late wife Renee Bender; mother Carol Bender; son Brian Bender; and step-daughter, Dusti Heflin.