Born: Sunday Sep-13-1959
Died: Friday Nov-21-2025
Funeral: Friday Dec-05-2025

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Mary Sue Blackmon Bendele (66) of Rupert passed peacefully with her family by her side on

November 21st after a long battle with cancer. Mary was born September 13, 1959, to Harry Blackmon and Maxine Chase in Rupert, Idaho. She completed her schooling at the local schools. After school Mary took great pride in raising her two sons Allen and Phillip.

On April 1, 2000, Mary and Steve married, bringing three more children into her life, Stephanie, Steven, and Melissa. They spent most of their time camping, fishing and spending as much time together as possible.

Mary worked at May’s Country Living for many years. After that, she worked at the Senior Center in Rupert for several years. Mary loved camping, fishing, crafting, crocheting, and most of all her dogs.

Mary is survived by her husband Steve Bendele. Children Allen (Alicia) Washington, Phillip Washington, Steven Bendele, Stephanie (Daniel) Compton, and Melissa Bendele. Grandchildren Zane Washington, Maizlee Washington, Allen (Caylee) Compton, Catrina ( Jayson) Wheeler, Katie Thompson, Seth Koch, Joseph Bendele, Alyssa McGuire, Isaac Bendele and eight great grandchildren. Siblings Kathy Peters, Gaila (Lester) Sheperd, Jacky Donnell, Venetta (David) Larson, Shawn Lorcher, Calvert Egbert, and Jerry Blackmon.

Mary is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents Harry and Maxine, sisters Donna and Annette, and grandson Daniel.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1pm on Friday December 5th at The Morrison Funeral Home located at 188 South Highway 24 in Rupert, Idaho.

Condolences:

Mary was a sweet and loving person. I am grateful to have her as a friend. Prayers of comfort for her love ones.rest with our Lord and savior, sweet friend. Shirlee Mclean

Rip Mary. You were a good friend. Prayers for the family.  Dolly and Ron Breezee

Mary,
We will miss you more than you will ever know. I'm happy you no longer are in pain. We will love you always and forever. You were a great bonus mom, grandma and great grandma to everyone. Dad will miss you everyday. You are the love of his life. Till we meet again. I love you...Stephanie

Mary was one kind of woman she always makes her way to say hi to you Mary and Steve was like family to me she was loved by many people one thing I will remember her for she always keep Steve on his toes Mary should love her family my prayers go out to her family she will be miss by love by many people and friends God bless her family....Lynda Bauer

So very sorry for your loss phil. Your mom was a very sweet lady. My condolences go out to you and your family.... Lorie Casey

Mary was compassionate, kind, loving, and patient the very nature that inspired all who knew her. Maizlee and Zane spent numerous hours and weekends with their grandma and grandpa Steve, creating lasting memories and sharing entertaining stories upon their return home. Mary's absence will be profoundly felt, and I offer my sincerest condolences to Phillip, Allen, Stephanie, Mellisa, Steven and Steve......Wynonna

Sorry 2 hear about your mom Phil she was a wonderful person and she would go out of her way for anyone RIP Mary u will be missed.....Darla

I am so sorry for your loss Steve and Family loved her a lot she's a very sweet person...Glenda

Mary was very kind to me and I very much enjoyed co Grandparenting with her, our Grand babies Zane and Maizlee. We shared many Grandparents lunches and parties at Zane and Maizlees school birthday parties, and dance recitals. My favorite being an event last year at Christmas where we enjoyed Wrapping Maizlee's desk at school. Also meeting up at the 4th of July parade on the square and playing with the littles. Mary lived those 2 so much and was always lit up when ever she got to see them. Im really going to miss her and being able to call her up to invite her to the grand parents events.praying for Steve Allen and Phillip and all the Grandbies she lived so much. Rest in peace Mary I will keep you alive in Zane and Maizlees heart and mind....Kasandra