Evelyn Ruth Bentley
April 18, 1927 - November 19, 2018

Evelyn Ruth Bentley, 91 of Ames, died peacefully on November 20, surrounded by her loving family. A visitation will be from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, November 23, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, with an 11 am funeral service on Saturday, November 24, at Napier United Methodist Church in Napier. A private family burial service will be held at a later date.
Evelyn was born on April 19, 1927, in the little village of Giard in NE Iowa, the only child of Herman and Ruth Allert. She attended a one-room country school through 8th grade, and then graduated from Monona High School. She earned an elementary teachers certificate from Luther College and taught for two years. During that time, she met the love of her life, Allan Bentley, who was employed as Clayton Co. Extension Youth Assistant. They married on September 5, 1948 and moved to Ames where they became partners with Allan's parents, raising and milking purebred Guernsey dairy cattle.
Evelyn and Al were the parents of six children. Evelyn loved being a farmer's wife, a mother, and a volunteer in church and community activities during those busy years and beyond. Life was good and she often thought how much their lives were enriched because of their children's activities. She enjoyed hosting ever-expanding Bentley family gatherings and she adored and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Music was an important and enjoyable part of Evelyn's life from early youth and throughout her life - singing in groups with Al and playing piano. For several years she helped lead a sing-along at a nursing home. She was the church pianist at Napier UMC for thirty years. In her 80's Evelyn became a member of a ladies sextet, the "Whimsical Warblers". This group gave her much fulfillment as they brought joy to folks in nursing homes and other places where they sang. The weekly practice sessions at Evelyn's home were a special part of her life for ten years and she referred to the ladies in the group as her "sisters".
Evelyn also loved gardening. Her flower gardens were beautiful and every year she canned and froze the produce from her vegetable garden. She often said that gardening was her "stress reliever" and fun. Her notorious quick wit and humor were a joy to her family and friends. Evelyn was a member of Napier United Methodist Church, Songbirds, and Homemakers Club.
Evelyn is survived by her six children, Dennis (Julie) Bentley, Becky (Kim) Christiansen, Jane (Jim) Weaver, all of Ames, Carol (Curt) Bentley-Iverson of Decorah, Mary (Maury) Wills, of Adel, and Scott (fianc Sarah) Bentley, of Madison, Wisc.; 16 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and Al, her husband of 68 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heifer International and Hope Ministry of Des Moines.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

To read the full obituary, please click here: https://www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com/obituary/284615/Evelyn-Bentley

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