Yvonne Phyllis (Erdmann) Bender, age 90, of Sun City, AZ, died peacefully on January 24, 2026.

She was born August 23, 1935, in Golden Valley, ND, to George and Elenora (Krueger) Erdmann). Vonnie graduated from Golden Valley High School, began her career teaching in a one room schoolhouse and retired from Roosevelt Elementary after 41 years in education.

Know for her outgoing personality, Vonnie was a contestant in the Miss Bismarck Pageant, served as president of the Bismarck Welcome Wagon and hosted Romper Room on KFYR television. Vonnie was the proud owner of Bender's Drive-In in Medora, ND and cherished every summer she spent running the drive-in with family and friends. After retirement, she moved to Sun City, AZ, where she danced with the Sun City Poms and played a wicked game of bridge at least twice a week.

Vonnie was prededed in death by her son, Craig "Sonny" Bender and former husband Clifford Bender of Elgin, ND. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Al) Rohrich of Sun City, AZ; Connie Desrosiers of Alexandria, VA; and Carrie (Owen) Stockdill of Garrison, ND, eight grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

A burial service will be held this summer in Golden Valley ND.