Obituary of Claudette Bender

Claudette Conant Bender, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 4, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Mark Leslie Bender, parents RB Conant and Kathryn Coonrod, sister Norma Jean Starnes and brother-in-law Duanne Starnes. Claudette is survived by her daughters, Shawn Helm, Claudia Bratton and husband Mark, Kathryn Gratia and husband Allan; grandchildren, Jessica Ewing and husband Ben, Jennifer Frizzell and husband Chris, Katie Ryan and husband Trey, Melissa Lawton and husband True, Christine Schmitt and husband Alex; great grandchildren, Madigan, Maverick and Monahan Ewing, Danny and Grace Ryan and Ellory Lawton; and a host of other family and friends.

Claudette was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on March 31, 1936. On November 6, 1953, she married the love of her life, Mark. Together they moved to Houston, Texas, in 1956, where they would put down roots and raise their family. Claudette became a member of Temple United Methodist Church where she was involved in the United Methodist Women and enjoyed working with the youth group hosting many functions such as dances and dinners. She enjoyed a career for many years as the secretary to the head of the marketing department at Hughes Tool Co.

In 1972, Claudette and her family moved to Pearland, Texas. She later joined Pearland United Methodist Church where she was active in the Searchlight Sunday School class and Stephen Ministries. She also enjoyed her roles in the church as greeter and visiting angel. Even though she and Mark moved to Katy, Texas in 2016, she remained close with her friends in the Searchlight Sunday School class. In Katy, Claudette joined Holy Covenant United Methodist Church where she enjoyed listening to the music and became an honorary “Mom” to many of the choir members.

In retirement, Claudette and Mark loved to travel. They went on many adventures together, including trips to Europe, Australia, and every one of the United States. She also enjoyed hosting dinners or parties, where everyone enjoyed her fantastic cooking, and playing games; she was exceptionally good at Yahtzee! Claudette loved to shop as well, whether it was for herself or the people she loved. Even grocery shopping with her daughters was a special time to spend with people she loved.

 Claudette lived her life with grace and Christian love, always putting others ahead of herself. She would frequently drive friends to doctor appointments and bring meals to those in need. Everyone loved her dearly, and she was a “2^nd mom” to many. Claudette asked her family and friends not to grieve for her because she knew that she was going to be with Jesus. Her comforting presence and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A visitation for Claudette will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 beginning at 12:30, at Clayton Funeral Home. (5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581) The funeral service will commence at 1:30 pm officiated by Reverends Fred Willis and Reggie Clemons. Interment will follow the service at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.