Arlene Bender

Arlene Bender, 75, of Waymart passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, April 19, 2017 at home. Her husband of more than 40 years, Elmer Bender survives her. They were married on October 5, 1976. Born March 15, 1942 in Carbondale, she was the daughter of Beulah (Eltz) Smith of Waymart, and the late Lewis Smith. Arlene was a dedicated employee of the Offices of the Wayne County Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for many years. She was a member of Laurel Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Waymart. Above all, Arlene was a wonderful woman who loved her family. She will be remembered especially for her dedication to her grandchildren. She is also survived by three children: Debbie Bates and her husband Gary, Mark Petrilak and his wife Joanne, and Christopher Petrilak and his wife Kathey, all of Waymart; step-children: Lee Bender of Waymart, Janice Snyder and her husband Bill of Gouldsboro, and Judy Spewak of St. Cloud, FL; grandchildren: Sabrina Bates, Sally, Brooke, Katelyn, Melissa, and Courtney Petrilak, Shane Enslin, Kevin Enslin, Billy Snyder, Josh Snyder, Leah Zawisky, David Spewak, Zach Spewak; great-grandchildren: Ryann Enslin, Kaili Enslin, Kevin Enslin, Hailey and Bri Snyder, Emma and Olive Spewak, and Kaleb Zawisky; two brothers: Gene Smith and his wife Carmelita, Ronald Smith and his wife Patricia, all of Waymart; a sister, Nancy Tallman of Waymart; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. All are welcome to visit for a time of “Reminiscing and Refreshments” on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. at Ladore Lodge & Conference Center, 398 South Street, Waymart, PA 18472. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jenkins Funeral Home-Edward Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.JenkinsHowellFuneralHome.com