Sidney Kay Bender

Sidney Kay Bender, 72, peacefully entered her eternal rest Wednesday, May 17, 2017. She was born in Bentonville, June 2, 1944, to the late Sidney and Mary Grayce Hogue Mullins. A 1962 honor graduate from Rogers High School, she was quick witted and known for a sharp tongue. Sidney was a fixture in the area running a shirt shop in Bentonville and well recognized for her astounding artistic talents which included art lessons, painting, quilting, doll making and sewing. She loved to spend time listening to music, watching birds and especially overfeeding her dog, Ned. Most of all, she was a dedicated wife and loving mother. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years, Jim Bender and her loyal dog, Ned; daughter Niki Spitzer and son Mike Bender, both of Bentonville; four grandchildren Ashlynn, Kayla, Katie, and Breanne; four sisters, Joyce Stanfield of Springdale, Janie Allridge of Pea Ridge, Vicki Morris of Pea Ridge, Debbie Patterson of Oklahoma; three brothers, Donnie Mullins of Ohio, John Mullins of Oklahoma, and Ronald Mullins of Pea Ridge; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Melinda Gay Mullins; and one brother, Steve Mullins. A private family service was held Thursday, May 18, 2017. Memorial service will be Tuesday; May 23,2017 at 5:30 p.m. with visitation following until 7:30 p.m. at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 North 4th St., Rogers, Ark. www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in her memory to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer's Association, Arkansas Chapter. The family also asks that you spend time with your children, take a walk with your loved ones, and make a toast to enduring friendships lifelong and beyond.