Helen Sue Bender, lovingly known as Sue, departed this world on August 9, 2026, in Safford, Arizona. Born on September 2, 1933, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, Sue’s presence was a gentle current of kindness and steadfast strength that shaped and nourished the lives of those dearest to her.

In a world that so often rushes by, Sue moved through her ninety-two years with an elegance that drew family and friends close. She was the daughter of Charles and Marie McCarty, whose spirits have long awaited her in peaceful reunion, along with her sister Betty Lovelace and brother Donald McCarty—bonds never broken by time or distance. Within her every gesture and story, one could hear the echoes of her family’s love and the lilt of Oklahoma roots.

Sue’s life, though marked by inevitable sorrows, shone with abiding devotion to her family. She nurtured her daughters, Donna (Dana Yager) Irons and Phyllis (Troy) Moya, instilling in them the values of compassion, dignity, and resilience. Through her warmth and quiet guidance, she was a touchstone for her grandchildren—Shelby (Jason) Sheer, Veronica Irons, Dwight Moya, and Blake Moya—as well as her cherished great-grandchildren, Aurora Sheer, Briele Sheer, and Karsyn Moya. Her legacy endures in every smile, every lesson passed on, every moment where family gathers and feels her gentle influence still.

Those who knew Sue admired not only her steadfast loyalty to those she loved, but also her openness to friendship and kindness beyond the boundaries of blood. Larry Loper, a devoted friend, shared in her laughter and the quiet joys that defined her companionship—a testament to her capacity for heartfelt connection.

Yet Sue’s story cannot be told without remembering the other threads woven into its fabric: the memories that filled her days in Oklahoma, the transitions that brought her west to Arizona, and the enduring relationships that bridged generations. Each chapter, each milestone, was marked by her unwavering grace, bringing loved ones together in celebration and solace alike.

To honor the memory of Helen Sue Bender, family and friends will gather for visitation at McDougal Caldwell Funeral Chapel, 112 East Main Street, Safford, Arizona, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Eagar Cemetery, 295 W 3rd Street, Eagar, Arizona, beginning at 11:00 am.

As the sun sets on Sue’s remarkable life, her absence is felt deeply by all who loved her. Yet, in the hearts and memories she leaves behind, she remains—a gentle guide, a wise matriarch, and a testament to the quiet, enduring power of love.