Toni Bender

Toni (Pfleider) Bender, 64, of Kingfisher, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, April 18, 2022, after a hard fight against cancer.

Toni was born Aug. 12, 1957, to Bud and Janene Pfleider in Alva.

She graduated from Alva High School in 1975 and was recently welcomed as an honorary Shattuck Indian.

On Nov. 14, 1977, Toni ran off to Pampa, Texas, to marry Greg Bender.

From this union came their two children, Laci and BJ.

Toni and Greg enjoyed fishing, golfing and casinos. They loved road trips and eating at hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Throughout their life together, Toni worked overtime keeping Greg in line.

Toni was a jigsaw puzzle master and enjoyed the sewing duties for her family and friends. Spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren at all of their athletic and school events was her #1 priority.

She had a kind heart and was a woman with great perspective. She had a knack of listening to the details and would never hesitate to call it like it was.

She loved to have fun and laugh even if it were at her own expense.

Toni worked various jobs, including working alongside Greg at the Alva and Laverne Co-ops before landing at the Custer City Bank.

She spent the last 25 years of her career as the Farm Bureau county secretary in both Perry and Kingfisher until her retirement.

Toni was grateful for the friendships she made with her co-workers as well as the greatest clients during her career.

Toni is survived by her husband, Greg Bender; daughter, Laci Kavanagh and husband Brian and their children Brayden, Brycen and Briarleigh; son, BJ Bender and wife Kari and their children Hattie and Titan; brother, Mike Pflieder and wife Danelle; sister, Michelle McMurphy and husband Travis; uncle, Dale Dunningan; honorary son, Loren Smith; and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A come-and-go celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 28, Women’s Building at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a memory or your favorite story of Toni with them.