A community leader will be laid to rest today. Mary J. Bendt, 72, of Knox founded the annual WoodStarke Festival, celebrated annually in Wythogan Park. Billed as clean, family-friendly entertainment it showcased local musical acts and artists and provided an opportunity for community members to congregate.
Bendt worked for many years as a correspondent for “The Leader” and most recently for the online newsgathering site “The Starke County Daily Edge.” She was the grand marshal of the 2015 Knox Harvest Day Parade and was also on the Starke County Bicentennial Committee and the planning commission.
Funeral services are this afternoon at 1 at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel in Knox, with visitation there from noon until the time of the service.
