Rita Ann Bender

Rita Ann Curd Bender, age 75, left this life at sunrise holding her daughter's hand on March 8, 2022 at Fairfax Hospital following an extended hospital stay. She was the daughter of Tull Tolbert Curd and Maude Martin Curd. Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Timothy Dwight Bender (2009) and their son, Gregory Stuart Bender (2017). She is survived by her daughter, Carena Lynn Bender, her three grandchildren Adelyn Renee Bender, Jessica Ann Bender and Isis River Richards, her great grandchild Aria Scott Gonzales and her daughter-in-love Renee Carey. Rita spent her childhood running wild in the mountains of Rainelle, West Virginia and went on to graduate as valedictorian from Rainelle High School. She moved to Washington, DC in the summer of 1964 and met Tim, the love of her life. They married that Fall and lovingly raised their two children in eastern Prince William County, Virginia. She was a well known substitute teacher for many years in the elementary schools and returned full time to the workforce in 1983 answering the evening switchboard at Northern Virginia Community College in Woodbridge. She ended a 26 year career as the school's Business Manager and completed her Associate's Degree along the way in the evenings. Rita always said she loved working around teachers and students in an educational environment. She was an avid reader and had an insatiable curiosity to learn that lasted her entire life. Quilting was a passion and her family were lucky recipients of the gorgeous handmade creations from "Mimi's Workshop". We will treasure every stitch and think of her love and the time she took to bring them to life. "Pool Rita" enjoyed her retirement surrounded by her wonderful neighbors in Celebrate, Virginia and everyone knew where you could find her on a hot and sunny day. She delighted everyone she knew with her dimpled smile and contagious laughter. There was nothing more important to Rita than her family. Her ability to find joy in spite of tragedy was an inspiration to us all and we will carry her strength and love with us always. If desired, memorial condolences may be made to the NOVA Foundation's Bright Futures Fund at https://giving.nvcc.edu/make-a-gift A visitation for Rita will be held Monday, March 14, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Rd, Stafford, Virginia 22554. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM, 186 Shelton Shop Rd, Stafford, Virginia. An interment will occur Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Stafford Memorial Park, 154 Shelton Shop Road, Stafford, Virginia. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mullinsthompsonstafford.com for the Bender family.