Atlanta, GA – Mary Lou Bender, 87, of Atlanta, GA and formerly of Warren passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Mary was born on May 15, 1938 in Buckhannon, WV, a daughter of the late Donald and Pauline (Slaughter) Rowan.

After settling in Warren, OH, Mary was a 1956 graduate of Warren G. Harding High School.

Besides being a proud homemaker, Mary was a crossing guard and then worked for over 30 years in housekeeping at Trumbull Regional and St. Joseph Hospitals.

Outside of work, Mary loved watching gameshows with family and friends. She was also a big women's sports fan and enjoyed watching the Little League World Series. Mary enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino and going on drives to have ice cream with friends. She also had a quiet side and enjoyed watching hummingbirds, reading and gnome collecting. She adored her grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with those she loved. Mary will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

Mary will always be remembered by her children, Pamela Bender of Atlanta, GA and Gary (Lori) Bender of Rootstown; grandchildren, Tyler and Ryan Bender and many loved nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Bender and siblings, Tancy Carney and Jack Rowan.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Mary on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 11am to 12 noon at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

A Funeral Service will follow at the funeral home at 12 noon.

Burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Park in Champion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association at https://www.lung.org/

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Mary's family.