Trecia Ann Bender

Trecia Ann (Smith)Bender was born in Poplar MT to Grant O. Smith and Beatrice E (Rettig) Smith on July 7, 1936. Terry passed away in her sleep in the early morning of July 20th thirteen days following her 90th Birthday.

Terry spent her early years in the Poplar/Brockton area. During WWII, Terry spent time in Helena with her Grandmother Rettig. Grant and Bea were contributing to the war effort in Seattle. Terry went on to Graduate from Helena High School in the class of 1954.

Terry Attended Eastern Montana College in Billings and acquired her teaching certificate. While in College Terry met LeRoy Bender a student Athlete at Rocky Mountain College.

Terry and LeRoy married on November 27, 1958. They were married for 66 years Until LeRoy's passing on January 24, 2025.

Terry and LeRoy moved to Helena in 1960, and Terry started her teaching career.

Terry spent thirty plus years in The Helena Schools, her final stint at Four Georgians School where she got to work with 3rd graders and several of her good friends she had worked with through the years.

Terry made an impression on many youngsters in her career, and to hear her talk, many of them on her.

Terry and LeRoy raised their three kids in Helena.

She is survived by her children, Brad (Val), Craig (Sue), and Suzan (Cory); grandkids, Dustin, Bobby, James, Amy, Shay, Maggie, Layne, Hayden, Kayleen, Lauren and Seth, Tony, Drake and Cayden; as well as numerous great grandchildren and a number of cousins.

Terry leaves behind several 1954 classmates as well as several she had acquired through the years.

Terry was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy; parents, Grant and Bea Smith; in-laws, John and Myrtle Bender; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

We are having a Celebration of life on September 19th and 12:00 at the Conrad Moose Lodge.