John Henry Bentley, 97
John H. Bentley passed away peacefully at the Morrill County Hospital at the age of 97 years young. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church on November 15 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Ray Cook officiating. Burial will be at the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery following the service. Friends and family are invited to join the family at the First Baptist church for lunch following the services. Casual attire is requested.
Memorials may be given to the church. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com.
John was born February 1, 1924, at Broadwater, Nebraska, to Albert and Gladys (Jackson) Bentley, one of 13 children. He farmed with his father in the Broadwater area for a few years. On Feb. 27, 1945, John married Leona Friend, the love of his life and best friend, at First Baptist Church in Bridgeport—a union that lasted 71+ years.
The couple farmed and ranched throughout Morrill County. John worked as a mechanic for Woznick John Deere as well as a delivery driver for NTC. He served as the maintenance man for the Scotts Bluff and Bridgeport Housing Authorities for 20+ years.
John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He loved spending time with his grandkids, greatgrandkids and great-great granddaughter. He enjoyed life, boating, camping, gambling trips with his Leona and family. He made many memories, baking their “special“ Christmas cookies and candy, churning homemade ice cream, having Sunday family dinners and helping organize the huge Bentley family picnics. John was active in the First Baptist Church, serving as an elder and deacon. He pulled many a Baptist youth at the Bridgeport Lakes for their water-skiing youth group activities.
John lived a Christian life by example; he was a quiet, gentle soul, a committed man of faith who had the patience of a saint. John left us beautiful memories. He and Leona are waltzing across heaven with family and friends. His love is still our guide. He was a special man; we’ll miss him dearly!
John is survived by his sons, Dick (Nancy) Bentley, Gering and Rick Bentley, Gering; 5 grandchildren: Nichole (Brett) Schnieder, Coppell, TX, Jon (Teresa) Bentley, Scottsbluff, Robert (Mandie) Bentley, Mitchell, Cara (Eric) Breazeale, Cheyenne, WY, and Becky (Abe) Adams, Scottsbluff; 16 great-grandchildren: Trenton, Tandon, Ashley (Brett), Jaylan, Liam, Cooper, Cash, Cody, Trinity, Mitchell (Alma), Zac, Brayden, Jackson, Kaylee, Natalee and Emilee; great-great-granddaughter Ella Grace; sister-in-law Elva Wylie, Everett, WA; Reatha Bentley, Bridgeport; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leona; parents; brothers Junior, Myrl, Ned, Darrell, Ronald, Marvin, Dean and Gene; and sisters Wilma Waggerby, Ruby Watson, Dorothy Watson, Hilda Widener, and Addie Berry.