Kimberly Jane Bender, 57, passed peacefully Monday, January 9, 2017 at home. She was born in Fort Wayne, to the late Clifford and Rose (Wheaton) Evans. She formerly taught preschool at Trinity Evangelical Church and then was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Kim was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and had a passion and love for children.

She is survived by her husband of almost 36 years, Bruce Bender of Fort Wayne; sons, Robert (Nicki) Bender of Boca Raton, Florida, Brandon (Anna) Bender of Pendleton and Jeremy Bender of Fort Wayne; four grandchildren, Chase, Cole, Collin and Chloe; brothers, Monty Evans of Fort Wayne and Chris (Carla) Evans of Columbia City; and a sister, Mona (Roger) Potter of Fort Wayne.

Funeral Service is 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 16, 2017 at Covington Funeral Home, 8408 Covington Road, with calling one hour prior. Officiating will be Pastor Laine Burgland. Calling is also 2-6 p.m., Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Covington Memorial Gardens. Preferred memorials are to Faith Lutheran Church or Goshen Center for Cancer Care.