Mary Elizabeth Bender, 79, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020, at the University Medical Center in Aurora, CO.  She was born June 20, 1941, in Doniphan, MO to Walter S. & Iva Harris.

Mary moved to Morgan County in 1975 and began attending Morgan Community College and received her pre-nursing degree.  She later attended and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado.  She enjoyed working as a home health care nurse.  In 1981 she married Paul DeLayne Bender.  They later divorced.  Mary enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, reading, playing cards and walking.

Survivors include her children, Thelma, Dan "Boone", Melvin, Fred, Mary, and Christopher.  She is also survived by her sister, Florence Halley; 1 brother, Irvin Harris; 18 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Brush at 1:00 PM.  Visitation will be at the Heer Chapel on Thursday from 11–1PM.  Interment will be in the Brush Memorial Cemetery.