Obituary of Jean Bentley

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Erma Jean Pitt Bentley, 79, of Evans, Colorado, formerly of Carthage, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Accel at Longmont. 

Jean was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1943 in Pilot Grove Township, Illinois to Raymond Delmore and Edna Lou (Roper) Pitt.  She is the youngest of three daughters.  Jean grew up in Elvaston, Illinois and graduated from Hamilton High School.  She later completed training at the Burlington School of Business. 

On June 03, 1963 she married David Able (former spouse), a gifted musician from Southern Ontario, Canada.  They were blessed with two children: Rebecca and Matthew.  Years later, she was introduced to Jerre Bentley and they married on September 15, 2007 in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple.  

Jean worked as a dental assistant for more than two decades.  Prior to that she supported herself and her children by working as a housekeeper at a local college; she baked and decorated birthday and wedding cakes; and she ran a wallpapering business with her oldest sister for a number of years.

Jean is well known for her strong work ethic and youthful energy.  She remained physically active throughout most of her life enjoying bike riding, taking walks, playing outside with her grandchildren, and dancing to her favorite Elvis tunes.  After marrying Jerre, they moved to Evans, CO and she and Jerre took square dancing lessons.  Jean was also an avid reader and had acquired an impressive book collection.  She made daily scripture study a priority. 

Above all, Jean loved serving her family, friends, and neighbors.  She helped many with their cleaning, painting, and furniture refinishing projects.  She shared her homemade baked goods, ran errands for others, and visited with those in need whenever she could.  As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she held various church callings over the years including Primary president, Young Women president, Relief Society secretary, and Primary and ward chorister.  She taught various youth classes and was active in visiting teaching/ministering.  She also found joy in serving in the Fort Collins Colorado Temple.

Jean is survived by her two children: Rebecca (Robert) Beal and Matthew (Heather) Able; six grandsons: Joshua (Hayden) Wells, Jordan Wells, Evan (Leaha) Able, Carter Able, Dawson Able, and Declan Able; two great grandchildren: Willow Wells and Ellie Wells; and two sisters: Dorothy Speer and Betty (Fred) Pfeiferling.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jerre.

A viewing will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 6, 2023 followed by a Life Celebration at 12:00 noon at the Ashcroft Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints in Greeley, Colorado.  A graveside service will take place at the Thornber Cemetery in Hancock County, Illinois on Saturday, May 13th, time to be announced.    

Memorial gifts may be made to “Dementia Society of America” in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.  Condolences may be shared at AdamsonCares.com.