Virginia Eilene Bender age 98 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. She was born on August 30, 1925, in Alliance, Ohio. The daughter of Henry and Loleta Elvig, she graduated from Washington High School in Brainerd, Minnesota. After graduation she worked in the office at Washington High School and eventually moved to the office in Franklin High School. From there she went on to work for the Rural Electrification Administration where she stayed until she retired. She was the organist at First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd for 75 years. Many looked forward to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Services she directed every year for decades. She was an accomplished musician and was often called upon to accompany soloists for special occasions in the community. Virginia married Edgar Bender on August 3, 1949. They enjoyed traveling and caring for their lovely home and gardens.