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Plain and Simple Author Sue Bender Passes Away at 91

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sue Bender died August 3 at age 91 in Oakland, California.
She gained recognition for her 1989 book, Plain and Simple: A Woman’s Journey to the Amish.
Bender held degrees from Harvard University and the University of California.
Her book became a bestseller and helped spur the voluntary simplicity movement in the 1990s.

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Story summary

Sue Bender died August 3 at age 91 in Oakland, California.
She gained recognition for her 1989 book, Plain and Simple: A Woman’s Journey to the Amish.
Bender held degrees from Harvard University and the University of California.
Her book became a bestseller and helped spur the voluntary simplicity movement in the 1990s.