Betty Jean Bentz

A funeral service for Betty Jean Bentz was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the United Church of Christ in Fairfax, South Dakota, with Emmet Kotrba officiating.

Music was provided by Cheryl Jons, accompanist. Christel Hoffman was in charge of registrations. Casket bearers were Donald Bentz, Randy Bentz, Wade Bentz, Jacob Bentz, Dean Bentz, and Willie Bentz. Honorary casket bearers were Michelle Bentz, Jamie Bentz, Ashlee & Kyle Babl, Angel Bentz & J.A. Packard, Heidi Bentz, Christy Bentz, Tess & Dylan Shaver, Shavon Mangold, Charity & Travis Fischer, Brooke Stransky, Debbie & Keith Hovorka, and all of the great-grandkids.

Interment was at Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jean Bentz was born February 9, 1935, at Naper, NE, to Frank and Theresa (Derner) Stoltenberg. Betty grew up on a farm with her parents and siblings near Naper, where she attended both elementary school and high school.

Betty married the love of her life, Donald Bentz, on August 11, 1953, and to this union five children were born. While raising their family in rural Fairfax, Betty milked cows and worked alongside Don on the farm. When the kids were all raised and living on their own, Betty worked with Don at the Bonesteel Oil Company in Bonesteel, SD. She also worked at the Butte Healthcare Center as a nurse’s aide and in the kitchen.

Betty was an active member of the UCC Congregational Church. She taught Sunday School, was part of the ladies fellowship committee, and helped prepare and serve many meals for the church.

Betty’s favorite pastimes were spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking for anyone and everyone, playing games, cards, and visiting. Her most cherished moments were spent cuddling and loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty died February 5, 2025, at the Firesteel Health Care Center in Mitchell, South Dakota at the age of 89 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Theresa; her husband Don; her daughter Lori; her brothers Albert (Delores) Stoltenberg and Verlin, and her sister Barb Wentz.

Betty is survived by her children Allen (Vonda), Darrell (Joann), Kevin (Lynne), Chad (Michele); her brother Ken (Shirley); brother-in-law Bob Wentz; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.