Shirley Ann (Cross) Bender , Age 78


January 02, 1943 --February 11, 2021

Shirley Ann Bender (Cross) 78, of Baraboo, passed away February 11th, 2021 at University of Wisconsin Hospital. Shirley was born January 2nd, 1943 in Buffalo Township, IL to Alvan and Gladys (Shellhouse) Cross. She grew up in Polo, IL and graduated from Polo High School. On April 4th, 1964 she married her lifelong love Sid Bender. They had two children Sheila and Charles.

Shirley is survived by her husband Sid, daughter Sheila Donaldson (Scott), grandchildren- Noah (Ashley) Donaldson, Kassandra Olson-Donaldson, Great Grandchildren - Alia, Nora, Kira, Rae and Milo, niece Joanne Way and nephew Dave Bender.

Shirley enjoyed family outings, friends, gardening/canning, playing cards, listening to rock & roll and country music, baking, grandchildren/great grandchildren and the Green Bay Packers. Shirley and Sid lived in Polo, IL, Monroe, WI and moved to Baraboo, WI in 1985. Shirley was a homemaker and worked for the Green County School District, Fish Building Supply and Hilldale Veterinary Hospital. Shirley traveled to Kaiserslautern Germany to meet Sid in 1964 where he was stationed for the U.S. Army. She loved telling stories about their time in Germany. Other places they visited included France, Netherlands, Holland, Maine, Idaho, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arizona, and Branson, MO.

A Celebration of Life Event will be held Saturday February 27th, 2021 at Baraboo Arts Banquet & Events Center from 1pm - 4pm, 323 Water Street Baraboo, WI. Remembrances can be made in the form desired by friends and family. All Packer Fans are welcome and encouraged to wear your favorite Green Bay Packer gear. Shirley loved her home team.



Condolences

Jane Zuber February 13, 2021

Friend BARABOO , Wisconsin

Sid & family, hoping many fond memories help ease your loss, Jane

Mary Friedrichs February 14, 2021

Friend and former co-worker MONROE , Wisconsin

My sympathies to Sid and family. Shirley was my library assistant at Abe Lincoln School in Monroe for years and we were dear friends. She added such a spirit to the life of the school and my main memories of her were times of laughing together. We had honest conversations about your son and the challenges he faced. I will always remember how Sid picked up Shirley every day for their lunch together. That was a true sign of love to me.

Philip and julie Smolen February 18, 2021

Friend Florence , AL

Sid and family and friends....there are no words I can find to make this pain go away. We are very sorry and pray for all of you.