Lebanon, TN - Kay Cotten-Bender, age 66, was surrounded by family and friends as she passed away on March 10, 2026 after a short battle with lung cancer. The Celebration of Life, conducted by Brother Scott Moore, is 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, TN. Visitation is from 4-5 p.m. at the funeral home on Saturday.

Sharon Kay Cotten-Bender was born in Tampa, FL to Helen Lavonne Lord Cotten and Bart Cotten. Kay loved horses and animals her whole life. Quarter horses were her favorites and in her younger years she enjoyed training them as jumpers. She also enjoyed going to the beach, having a coffee and a cold diet coke, watching hummingbirds, and showing horses. She loved decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas, and having family and friends gather around her with board games.

Kay is survived by her love, her partner, her best friend, and husband of 21 years, Braden Bender; children: Lucas (Danielle) Boyce, Katie (Szymon) Muller, Jessica Bender, and Jacob Bender; grandchildren: Aidyn Bender, Charlie Castle, Landon Boyce, Kenzley Boyce, Ella Muller, Sophia Muller, Landon and Logan Peters; stepmother: Marianna Cotten; siblings: Chuck (Jill) Cotten, Craig Cotten, Scott (Pam) Jeeves, and Alex (Craig) Kosarko; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Lavonne and Bart Cotten.

In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations in her name to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, TN, 615.444.9393.