Teresa Bender

Teresa (Groves) Bender, 91, of Cowen, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Glenville Health and Rehabilitation.

Born July 18, 1934 in Bearfork, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Clara (Marks) Groves. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore (T.O.) Bender; her son, Mitchell Bender; granddaughter, Amy Short; grandson, Austin Wolverton; great-granddaughter, Hailey; sisters: Wilda Cox, Juanita “Penny” Shearer, brothers: Wayne, Roger, Bernard, Ofie Groves.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed working on her yard and growing flowers. Anyone who knew her knew her ability to cook was far beyond the average person, with her biscuits being the most coveted dish at family gatherings. Above all, the presence of her grandchildren brought her the most joy in her life, and she liked to go “rock hunting” with them.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Gary (Dorothy) Bender, Terry (Mark) Casteel, and Rhonda (Monte) Short; half-siblings: Ronnie Groves, Glenna Dawn Cesaro, Nancy Cottrill, and Patty Cottrill; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.

Services to celebrate Teresa’s life will be held 4pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen, with Pastor Larry Lovely officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest next to her husband at Handschumacher Cemetery, Upperglade. Friends may join the family for visitation from to 3pm to 4pm, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com

Adams-Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bender family.