Diane Elizabeth Bender

Diane Elizabeth Bender, age 77, of Barberton, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. Born on April 9, 1948, in Massillon, Ohio, Diane lived a life centered on love, laughter, resilience, and deep devotion to her family and friends.

Known for her heart of gold, Diane had a gift for brightening any room with her warm smile and perfectly timed sense of humor. Her quick wit, playful sarcasm, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She faced life’s challenges with remarkable courage and grace, fighting with strength until the end, surrounded by the love of her family.

Family was the heart of Diane’s world. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her grandchildren, Shawn, Zach, and Zoe, were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She shared a deep and enduring love with her husband, Roy Bender, with whom she enjoyed many long-haul road trips and adventures that created memories spanning years. She also found joy in line dancing to country music at the Eagles Club, playing bingo with friends, camping, reading, collecting owl figurines, and enjoying a cold Pepsi.

Diane is survived by her daughter Kim, her mother Helen Werntz, and her siblings Denny (Analee) Werntz, Dorothy (Jerry) Davis, Delores (Chuck) Nixon, David Werntz, Darlene (Tom) Hostetler, Donna Werntz, Denise (George) Knapp, Debbie Nicholas, and Danny Werntz, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Bender, her father Howard Werntz, her brother Donnie Werntz, and her sons Robert “Bobby” Engle Jr. and Jesse Engle.

She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories—of laughter, long conversations, unconditional love, and the quiet strength of a woman who never stopped fighting. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and in the stories they will continue to share.