Diane Marie Bender

Diane Marie Bender, 77, Ponte Vedra, FL, died September 22, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving husband and daughters. She was born in Hunter, North Dakota, daughter of the late Ellsworth William and Thelma Burkholder. The experience she gained from a variety of jobs provided an opportunity with GMAC Financing in Fargo, ND. She worked her way up to various management positions. While still in Fargo, she married husband, David, in September of 1984. Her job took her to St. Louis and Atlanta before retiring in 2000 after 20 years with GMAC. They moved to the Jacksonville, FL area in 2001. She was a member of The Village Church. Diane was a true lover of life and a longtime survivor of four different cancers along with eight surgeries on a hip, dating back to 2005. She enjoyed so much in her life including travel, plants and orchids, playing cards, jewelry, creating a jewelry business, dancing, photography, acquiring shoes for any occasion, stained glass, assisting cancer charities and much more. She, along with her husband, Dave, loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Diane had a unique ability to put smiles on peoples’ faces whether she knew them or not. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 39 years, Dave Bender, Ponte Vedra, FL; two daughters, Dawn Petersen (Steve), Hunter, ND, Dana Roberts (Matthew), St. Augustine, FL; sister, Beva Hansen, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Daxton Morgan and Leigha Trnka; and 4 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by a grandson, John William Petersen. A celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023, at The Village Church with Pastor Alan Liphart officiating. A visitation, beginning at 10:30 a.m., will precede the service. A light lunch will be served following the service. If you are not able to join us in person, the service will be live streamed here: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheVillageChurchatWorldGolfVillage Condolences can be made by visiting her tribute page at www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Diane’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Forward Foundation of Fargo, North Dakota, Forward Foundation/Bank Forward benefiting children in small towns in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Diane Marie Bender

October 9, 1945 - September 22, 2023