Christel Lina Kappus was born in Insterburg, Germany and then made Phoenix, Arizona her home in 1989 when she followed her elder sister, Hannelore Hillen, there. 

Christel is survived by her sons, Ralph Dominic Bender and Martin Dorian Bender, as well as three grandchildren: Maximilien V. Bender, Olivia Steward-Bender, and Ginger Steward-Bender.

Christel graduated from the Herderschule in Lüneburg, Germany and the Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.

She enjoyed a multitude of linguistic exercises, home decorating, and studying European history.

Christel passed away peacefully, in the comfort of her own home with the assistance of Hospice after suffering complications from a stroke.