Jane K. Bender

Jane Kay Bender, 78, passed away December 17, 2025 at home in the presence of her family after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure. Jane was born on January 17, 1947 in Butte, MT on Oregon Ave. to John A. and Helen C. (Varelia) Pozega. She was the 6th of 6 children. Robert E. Pozega (deceased) Albuquerque, NM, Lois J. Dunlap, (deceased) Missoula, MT, Richard J. Pozega (Caryl) Dillon, MT, Judy A. Jones (deceased) Butte, MT and Jon A. Pozega (Nancy) Kent, WA.

Although named Carol at birth her older sister Lois said she was not a “Carol” but was a “Jane” and so she became. She attended Emerson Grade School, moved to 1925 Carolina and attended Butte Junior High where she was a cheer leader. She graduated from Butte High School in 1965 and following her sister Lois enrolled in the Nursing Program at St. James School of Nursing in Butte where in the fall of 1965 she spent her freshman year at Carroll College in Helena, MT. She resided off campus in Immaculata Hall with her five nurse classmates and the Sisters of Charity. They enjoyed getting the nuns stuck in the elevator between floors. In the spring of 1966, she asked a nurse classmate to suggest to Ron Bender that he take her out on a date. This resulted in Ron taking her out on a double date to the Carroll College Smoker (a boxing match) in a 1937 Lafayette. Jane became suspicious when Ron said they ran out of gas, but they had to push the car to the nearest gas station. Even though the nuns strenuously objected to Jane dating Ron she continued which resulted in 59 years of love and joy.

She received her RN diploma in 1968 and worked as a RN at St. James in Butte. After Ron’s first year of law School in Missoula, they married on June 28, 1969 and remained in Missoula. Jane worked as a RN at St. Pat’s Hospital and then for Drs. Schwartz, Combo & Law and eventually Missoula Valley Pediatrics at Community Medical until she retired in 2012. She treated hundreds of kids. A son, Andrew Patrick was born December 29, 1970 and a daughter Kelly Beth was born March 3, 1975.

Jane was an inveterate shopper, although she returned more merchandise than she kept. She enjoyed shopping with her friends and older sister and going to garage sales. She enjoyed skiing at Big Sky, playing bridge, her cats, floating the rivers, Grizz football, and travelling to France, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, and Hawaii. She spent many summers at Placid Lake at the cabin. Most of all she enjoyed being with her children and two grandchildren, James and Heather who resided in her household. Jane was gregarious, humorous and enjoyable to be around.

Jane was a “good” wife, a great mother, the best grandma and very caring friend. She was fastidious and took great care in working, cleaning, cooking, and organizing the whole home. Jane was gracious, kind, intelligent, musical, and honest. You could always find her busy working on something and often breaking into a song and a dance to bring a smile to your face.

Survivors include her husband, Ron (Missoula); one son Andrew (Missoula); one daughter Kelly ( Missoula), 2 grand children, two brothers and their families Richard (Dillon, MT), Jon (Kent, WA) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service will be held January 10, 2026 at 11:00 am, Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, Missoula MT 59808.