Dorotha Mae Bender, age 98, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1979, passed away on November 16, 2019 at St. Patrick's Residence in Naperville. She was born at home on January 29, 1921 in Royalton, IL. Dorotha is survived by her loving daughter, Jo Ellen Bender. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Walter “Bill” Bender; her beloved parents, George and Harriet Anna (Dabbs) Cox; and her siblings, Pauline Fales and Paul Henry Cox. She leaves behind many relatives and countless friends who she loved very much. Dorotha was a longtime and active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She graduated from Hurst-Bush High School, the St. Louis College of Business and had a 17 year career in accounting and merchandising with the Carbondale regional office of The Kroger Corporation, retiring when her daughter was born. She loved to travel and most enjoyed annual trips to Florida, her late husband’s 13th Armored Division WWII reunions and visits with dear relatives and friends in Alabama, Southern Illinois and Iowa. Dorotha lived each day with optimism, joy and gratitude. She was a gracious woman who was beautiful on the outside but even more beautiful on the inside. She had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eyes. Dorotha had a fun sense of humor, a spirit for adventure and a true zest for life. She was gracious and inclusive to all and made sure everyone felt loved. She was wise, understanding, generous, gentle and kind. Most of all, Dorotha was the most loving and devoted mother, wife, and friend and a faithful Christian. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Dorotha's life, memorial contributions may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church Foundation, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville IL 60540; P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312; Agape Christian High School, 5208 Meadowland Parkway #A, Marion, IL 62959, or First Baptist Church of Royalton, 709 W. 3rd St. S, Royalton, IL 62983. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at at the First Baptist Church of Royalton, 709 W. 3rd St. S., Royalton, IL 62983. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM and interment will follow at Miner's Cemetery in Royalton. An additional memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM.