Ronald S. Bender, 81 of Toronto, OH, passed away on Friday Nov. 6, 2026, in the UPMC Trinity Hospital in Steubenville, OH.

Ron was born on Sept. 12, 1945, in Steubenville, son of the late John and Lillian (Davis) Bender. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Molly Jo Hespenheide in 2013.

Ron retired from Weirton Steel Corp., where he worked first in the G.O. and later in the Tin Mill. A Christian, he enjoyed farming—especially baling hay—spending time with family and friends, and watching his grandchildren play ball.

Ron served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sylvia M. (Porter) Bender, whom he married on March 29, 1969; daughter, Sarah (Joe) Pelegreen and their children, Anthony and Mikayla Pelegreen all of Hopedale, OH, and his brother, John Bender of Toronto.

Visitation will take place on Monday Nov. 9 from 9:30 am to 11 am at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto, with services to follow at 11 am led by Pastor Dirk Hall. Burial will follow in the Island Creek Cemetery in Toronto.