Candy Ann Stender, age 43, of Lebanon, Ill., born June 9, 1979 in Belen, N.M., passed away at her home, surrounded by her family on November 13, 2022.

Candy grew up near Carlsbad, N.M. After meeting her husband Travis in El Paso, they lived in Las Cruces for a few years before his job led them to the Metro-east. They have resided in Shiloh, then Lebanon, where they raised their boys, for the past 23 years. Candy was a CNA, and Medical Assistant and had been employed at various hospitals, clinics, and nursing facilities. She loved helping others, and was especially dedicated to caring for her patients. She was a devoted mom who loved her boys and spending time with her grandson Daxtyn.

She was preceded in death by her stepdad Jackie Joe Smith, granddad Robert David Mead, granddad Clyde Randolph Jones, grandmother Dora Ann Jones, and uncle David Wayne Mead.

Surviving are her husband Travis G. Stender; sons Tyler (Dayedrah) Stender, Rodi Stender, Devon Thomas, and Bradley Nichols; father Clyde (Paula) Jones, mother Belinda (Rick Sterling) Smith; brother Chad (Chelsea) Jones, sister Crystal (Mike) Johnson; grandson Daxtyn; grandmother Wanda Eudene Mead.

Memorial donations are suggested to the American Red Cross.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm, Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Wolfersbeger Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be 2 pm, Friday, November 18, 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, Ill., with Pastor Candice Wassell officiating.