Kip Bending

BENDING

Kip (Norma)

Age 90 of Woodbury

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother

Passed away unexpectedly on the morning of May 3, 2023 under a crystal clear, blue sky. 

Born in Cleveland, OH, Kip was raised by her German grandmother after losing her own mother when she was five.  Following high school, she attended secretarial school where she learned the now lost art of shorthand.  In 1957, she married Ralph, and soon found out that being married to a 3M salesman meant a lot of moving around.  After moving to Woodbury for a second time in 1974, she began working as a switchboard operator at Western Life Insurance Company.  She also held positions as a payroll clerk and health services assistant, then retired from Western Life/Fortis in 2001 after 23 years.

Kip would say she led a full and blessed life.  She looked at the positive side of things by saying, “Things could always be worse”.  She was quite social and often conversed with strangers in a waiting room or restaurant.  She took pleasure in being around people whether it be attending grandkids’ events, playing cards with friends, celebrating with family and friends, or volunteering.  She was a caregiver - nurturing her family, supporting friends, enjoying her work with special needs children, loving her cat(s), and serving as a church greeter.  She had a generous heart, a great sense of humor, and was a perfect confidante.  May she live on in endless glory, a promise made to her by her precious Lord and Savior. 

Kip is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ralph; children, Dale (Annita Fleming-Bending), Beth (Kelly) Monkman; grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexander, Taylor, Jenica; nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Alma Siemon; infant daughter, Amy Susan; sister, Lavelda Wetzel.

Memorial service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, June 13 at The Grove United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, Woodbury, with visitation one hour prior.  Memorials preferred to MN/ND Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association.