Diane E. Bender

Diane Elizabeth Bender, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. Born on April 9, 1948, in Massillon, Ohio, Diane lived a life defined by love, laughter, resilience, and devotion to her family and friends.

Diane was known for her heart of gold and the way she could brighten a room with a smile or a perfectly timed joke. Her quick wit, playful sarcasm, and genuine kindness made her unforgettable to all who knew and loved her. She faced life’s hardships with remarkable courage and resilience, fighting with strength and grace until the very end, surrounded by the love of those closest to her.

Family was the center of Diane’s world. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her grandchildren—Shawn, Zach, and Zoe—were truly the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them. Diane shared a deep and lasting love with her husband, Roy Bender. Together they enjoyed many long-haul road trips and adventures, creating memories that spanned miles and years. She also loved simple joys in life—line dancing to country music at the Eagles Club, playing bingo with friends, camping trips, reading, collecting owl figurines, and never saying no to a cold Pepsi.

She is survived by her loving family, her daughter Kim, her mother, Helen Werntz, her siblings, Denny (Analee) Werntz, Dorothy (Jerry) Davis, Delores (Chuck) Nixon, David Werntz, Darlene (Tom) Hostetler, Donna Werntz, Denise (George) Knapp, Debbie Nicholas, and Danny Werntz. Diane also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Bender, her father Howard Werntz, her brother Donnie Werntz, her sons Robert “Bobby” Engle Jr. and Jesse Engle.

Diane leaves behind a lifetime of memories for those who loved her—memories of laughter, of long conversations, of unconditional love, and of a woman who never stopped fighting. Though the world feels a little quieter without her, her love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and in the countless stories that will be shared for generations.

Her strength never wavered, her love never faded, and her spirit will never be forgotten.

Now after a life filled with love and devotion, may she finally rest peacefully.

A Memorial Service for Diane will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton. The family will receive friends One Hour Prior to the service. Private burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park.