Sharon Kay Bender, age 82, of Milford, passed away at Bryan West on April 3, 2026.
Sharon was born in Lincoln on March 24, 1944, to William and Virginia Bender. She was raised in Milford and graduated from Milford High School in 1962. She then attended Peru State College, where she received her teaching degree. Her mornings were spent in the classroom teaching kindergarten and her afternoons she transitioned to the gym where she taught K-12 physical education. After school, she spent thousands of hours coaching volleyball and basketball.
In addition, she also was the speech coach for many years. Sharon was instrumental in bringing the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) to Rising City High School. She was passionate about sharing her love for the Lord with her students. They continue to share heartwarming stories of the positive influence she had on their lives.
Sharon loved all sports, but especially Husker football and volleyball. She was a season ticket holder to both and was a loyal fan through all types of weather.
She also enjoyed shopping. However, her biggest love of all was her love for the Lord. She was a devout member of the Methodist Church.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and her good friend, Sharon Ivers.
She is survived by her brother, Jerry and wife Diane of Nebraska City; niece, Angela Bebout and her husband John of Syracuse; and nephew, Brendon Bender and his wife Tesha of Nebraska City; along with five great nephews; one great-great nephew; and Godchild, Abby Baldwin of Lincoln. She is also survived by every single student who she positively impacted through her wonderful life of services to others.
Visitation will be Friday, April 17, from 1 – 8 p.m. with family greeting and receiving friends and relatives from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home in Milford. The funeral service will be Saturday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the Milford United Methodist Church, followed by a graveside service: at 1:30 p.m. at the Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. Memorial contributions are suggested to the R CPS Wall Project or Milford United Methodist Church.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services, Milford.
