Lavelle departed this life into the arms of Jesus on November 17, 2012 at the age of 79. Lavelle was born on August 21, 1933, in Shafter, to Emil and Sophie Kirschenmann. Lavelle was a lifetime resident of Shafter. After graduating from high school she went to work for her father as the bookkeeper at Central Market. On May 1, 1960 she was united in marriage to Clarence Bender. Together they made a home here in Shafter where, over the next 52 years they raised two sons and ran the family farm together, with Lavelle serving as the bookkeeper for the farm. Lavelle was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, going to Pismo, and spending every moment she could with her grandchildren. She was a devoted mother, serving as a room mother and classroom volunteer through her sons elementary years, she spent countless hours in the bleachers at the boys sporting events, she even made homemade individual frozen dinner for her sons while they were off at college (their roommates watched them eat with great envy). She was a life time member of Ebenezer Reformed Church where she served on the women's service groups for many years. She is survived by: her husband of 52 years Clarence; son Paul and wife Stephanie, son John and wife Debbie; grandchildren Matthew, David, Timothy, Hope and Faith; brother Leroy and wife Doris Kirschenmann, brother Gordon Kirschenmann, sister Valora Gagligno, sister-in-law Dolly Kirschenmann and many nephews and nieces. Lavelle was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Marvin and Arnold Kirschenmann and her sister Leola Gladwell. Although Lavelle's family will greatly miss her love and wisdom we are rejoicing in the knowledge that she is safe and secure in the presence of her Heavenly Father and loving Savior. Memorial Fund has been put into place in memory of Lavelle for those wishing to contribute to Ebenezer Reformed Church. Funeral services for Lavelle will held on Friday November 23 at 10am at Ebenezer Reformed Church. Pastor Paul Henderson will officiate and interment will follow at Shafter Memorial Park. An evening viewing will be held on Wednesday November 21 from 4pm to 8pm at Peters Funeral Home.