Dorothy (Roland) Bender, 103

April 20, 2024

Dorothy (Roland) Bender passed away at St. Anne’s Retirement Community on Friday, April 20, 2024 at the age of 103. She was the wife of the late Richard F. Bender who died December 4, 2011.

Born in Lancaster, PA she was the daughter of the late Elsie (Rutter) Roland and Oscar Roland. Dorothy lived most of her life in Millersville, PA.

In 1939 she graduated from the former Manor- Millersville High School (now Penn Manor) where she was active in sports and drama. Known as “Dot” she was an early employee of RCA where she worked during WWII. Most of her working life was spent in the insurance business. She retired from Associated Health Services in 1997 after 22 years of employment.

Dot enjoyed volunteering in her community for many causes but her most rewarding was that of being involved in Millersville Borough government. She was the first woman appointed to become a member of the Planning Commission and the first woman to be appointed to sit on the Borough Council. For many years Dot chaired the Freedom Memorial Park Committee. That group saw the park develop from farmland through two phases of development to completion. She also participated in several ad hoc committees. She was on the Board of the former Millersville Recreation Association where she spent two years as secretary. A staunch Republican, she was a longtime Republican Committee Woman in Millersville.

For her community service, Dot was awarded the former Penn Manor Sertoma Clubs “Service to Mankind” award, the Millersville Lions Club “Citizens of the Year” award, (2 times) and the Penn Manor Alumni Associations “Alumni of the Year” award. In addition, the Millersville Borough Council planted a tree in Freedom Memorial Park along with a brongze plaque for her services to the community.
Dot was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Millersville.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert F. Roland. She was the last of her immediate family and is survived by several nieces and nephews.
At Dot’s request there will be no viewing. The service will be private at the convenience of the family. Interment will be held at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Dot’s memory to Freedom Memorial Park, 100 Municipal Drive, Millersville, PA 17551.