Linda S. Bender, 70, of Butler passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026. She was born in Freeport on July 26, 1955, to the late William and Lillian (Bateman) Tishey. Linda graduated from Freeport High School and furthered her education at Villanova University where she earned her master’s in project management in 2004.
Linda worked at Fidelity for 26 years, before retiring in 2020. She was known for being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was caring, courageous and strong willed. Linda loved her dogs and was a devoted Christian.
She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, knitting, reading, puzzles and playing cards. Linda loved going to the beach, camping and most of all, spending time with her grandkids.
Linda was the beloved wife of Eugene “Gene” Bender, whom she married on August 23, 1980; mother of Craig (Amy) and Aaron (Mallory) Bender and Lindsey (Matthew) Pawlowicz; sister of Ken (Mary) Tishey; grandmother of Lee (Rhapsody), Rylie, Kenzley, Ava and Adalyn Bender, Caden and Calleigh Pawlowicz. She is also survived by her dog, Milo.
Along with her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill (Lorraine) and Rick (Shirley) Tishey and her dog, Gizmo.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5-7 PM at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001. WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM. A prayer service will immediately follow in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers. The family would like to give a special thanks to Amedisys Home Health for their wonderful care.