LuAnn Mae Bender, 62, of Columbus, Nebraska, formerly of Schuyler, Nebraska, passed away on December 1, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends at her home after a second battle of lymphoma.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 10:30 AM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Fr. Nicholas Mishek officiating.  Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM and continue Saturday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to those of family choice.  The service will be live streamed on Gass Haney Funeral Home Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057043736890

LuAnn was born on December 23, 1962, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Louie and Lucille (Majerus) Leeper. LuAnn married Danny Bender on January 10, 1981, and again on March 20, 2010. To this union, three children were born, Danielle, Tristan and Laci.

Before getting diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2019, LuAnn worked at Schuyler Community Schools where at first, she was their baker, then became a cook. In her spare time, she loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. LuAnn loved to travel, many times her and Laci would just pack a bag and go. Oklahoma City was just one of her favorite places to go.

LuAnn is survived by her husband Danny, daughter Danielle Orozco of Columbus, grandson Preston, son Tristan and fiancée Pam Miller of Columbus, grandchildren Aidan, Korbi, Annabelle, Myla, Jace, Austyn, Johnathan, Lexi, Cassandra, Michael, Ana & Becca, daughter Laci & Oscar Orozco of Columbus, grandchildren Jaylen and fiancée Breanna Reardon and great granddaughter Avalon, Baby Bender due in August, 2026, and Kedan Bender, her favorite companion, also known as her boy, her dog Atticus, her mother Lucille (John) Gravlin of Columbus, brother Lee (Jamie) Leeper of Hobbs, NM, brother Sonny Leeper of Lubbock, TX, many nieces & nephews, along with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and foster son, Derik.

LuAnn was preceded in death by two infant sisters, LaVonne & LeAnn, father Louie in 2001, sister Louise in 2017, brother Carl "Buck" in 2017, brother-in-law Greg Martens in 2021, father-in-law and mother-in law Henry Bender in 1970 and Kathleen Bender in 1982, brother-in-law Duane Bender in 2021, and her dog Toby in 2024.