Delores Bentley

Delores Bentley, our dear mother, grandmother and sister, was born August 26, 1931, to Peter and Hattie Toews near Middleton, Michigan. 

She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family softly singing favorite hymns to her, on September 22, 2017, reaching the age of 86 years.

She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, March 26, 1944, by Minister Harry Harms. She deeply appreciated the Church and embraced her faith to the end.

On January 3, 1958 she was married to William Bentley, by Minister Newell Litwiller. They shared life together for 47 years, living in the Ithaca, Michigan area, where they raised their three children.

Mom babysat many children throughout her life.  Some came under her care as babies, continued until early school age, and beyond. She was affectionately known as "Lorsa" and most of the children continued to visit her as adults.

Mom enjoyed sewing, gardening with Dad, canning, baking, and cooking large delicious meals for her family and all who entered her home.

Even though she fought Parkinson's for many years, her positive attitude was always there. Her ready smile and gentle spirit touched many lives.

Her children, family, and many others have testified that they cannot remember Mom ever speaking an unkind word or criticizing others. In her humble and caring way, she was a shining example of Love and compassion.

She will be lovingly remembered by two daughters and one son: Pam Bentley and Lori (Tony) Piggott; Mike (Kathy) Bentley, all of Ithaca, Michigan; 4 grandchildren: Justin Piggott, Brittany (Josh) Reiber, Elizabeth Bentley, and Joseph Bentley, all of Ithaca, Michigan; brothers and sisters: Ted (Roberta) Toews of Bowersville, Georgia, Rosalee Holdeman of Middleton, Michigan, Robert (Betty) Toews and Mary (Richard) Trgina of Ithaca, Michigan, Kathy (Roger) Leatherman of Transylvania, Louisiana, John (Thelma) Toews of Bradley, Arkansas; 2 brother-in-laws Kenneth (Marilyn) Bentley of Sumner, Michigan, Edward (Doris) Bentley of Charlotte, Michigan; sister-in-law Marion (Wesley) Henney of Columbia, Tennessee.

Her Husband, Parents, one sister-in-law, and one brother-in-law preceded her in death.

We, as a family, would like to thank the nursing staff at Masonic Pathways for years of care and the staff at Great Lakes Caring Hospice for Mom's extraordinary end of life care.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday September 26 , at the Newark Church of God in Christ-Mennonite at 10:30am. Burial was in Hayes Road Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Ithaca Food Pantry.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Julie Mouser]

My deepest condolences to Mike, Pam, Lori and family. Delores cared for me every day from when I was 6 weeks old until 1st grade. She was gentle, kind and spoiled me with her cooking and baking--she made the best sugar cookies on the planet! I will always be grateful to her and her family. She will be deeply missed.

[Marilee J Mouser]

So sorry to hear of her passing -- what a lovely soul. Blessings and peace to you all.

[Jesse Piper]

My deepest condolences to Pam and family.

[Traci (Lane) Seeley]

Pam and Lori,
Sorry to hear about your mom.