Last Sunday evening, while I was dozing off about 8 pm, after having been up to LaGrange, Clara Bender, aged 97 and Kathryn Feller’s roommate at North Ridge Village in Albion, Indiana passed away.
Because of changing circumstances, I had not been to the nursing home for probably a month. I didn’t intend to be away so long; for a long spell I saw Kathryn and Clara very frequently. The last time I was there, I left, telling her to hold down the fort.
She had seven devoted children and many, many grandchildren. She lived and passed away surrounded by love and carrying. I regret missing being there these last few weeks, but I am so glad that one day when I was pushing her to lunch, I leaned over her shoulder and whispered, “You’re a courageous and wise woman, Clara Bender, and I am honored to know you.” Probably that was the opinion of a lot of folks.
As I sat in the room with Kathryn and Clara, she told me many stories and shared private thoughts. She gave me a couple of her necklaces to remember her by . . . and she gave me so much more in the philosophy and conduct of life. I will not forget her.