Dale L. Benti, age 92, of Miles City passed away on May 3, 2021 at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City, MT.
Dale was born to Matt and Lillian (Cave) Benti on July 12, 1928 in Miles City, MT. Dale grew up and attended school in Miles City. Dale joined the United States Air Force in 1946 where he served for 3 years before being put on the inactive reserve. During this time Dale obtained his GED. One year after being placed on the inactive reserve, Dale received notice that he was being called back for active duty during the Korean Conflict. He served his country proudly until he was honorably discharged in 1951. During his time in the Air Force, he met a young lady by the name of Darlene Williams and upon his return the two were married on September 20, 1951.
Dale and Darlene made their home in Miles City and together raised their three children, Jean, Bruce and Patricia. Dale started a new sign business called Regal Signs, Dale worked as the owner and operator for the next 20 years. He did gold leaf signage, neon lighting, sign painting and everything in between. After 20 years in the sign business Dale sold it and began Benti Outdoor Enterprises this allowed him to continue to work on signs but also allowed him to do carpentry and many other jobs. Dale also worked for a short time for Miles Community College as the building supervisor and head groundskeeper.
At a very young age Dale developed a lifelong love for flying, he took every opportunity he had through the years to fly with others or fly his own plane. He also loved traveling with his little camper and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is survived by his wife Darlene, his three children; Jean (Norman) Dille of Twin Falls, ID, Bruce Benti and Patricia Benti both of Miles City, five grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings; Mavis, Bob and Sally.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City, MT. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 14, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 14, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Garth Sleight says
Dale Benti was an incredibly talented builder and was constantly involved with a remodeling project of some sort at Miles Community College. He also painted signs and did the lettering freehand. I was always amazed at the quality of his work. He was also a downright nice person and was a delight to visit with around campus. Rest in peace, Dale. If the Pearly Gates are squeaky at all, I know you will be right there getting them properly lubricated. My condolences to Dale’s family.
Mary Bagley says
Darlene, Jeanne, Patsy and Bruce.
Sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. I always loved your family. He was very kind. Sending prayers for peaceful healing.
Mary Bagley
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Darlene, Bruce Patsy, and Jeanne and family related. I so sorry for the loss of Dale. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories that I was involved with Dale, and the family. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with all of you. God bless you in heaven Dale and I’m so sorry to see you leave us.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
Dear Benti family,
What a precious man and family! We love your family very much and will miss Dale!
He has left a wonderful legacy!
Take care!
Elaina says
Grandpa was always such a teddy bear who gave the best warm grandpa hugs! He loved to teach us new things like how to hook a worm, scout for deer, drive a ride-on lawn mower, garden, fly an airplane. When I was young, it seemed to me that he had few words until he was ready to teach me or spend one on one time with me, at which point he told great stories and wowed me with his vast knowledge of hunting, fishing, flying etc. Now that I’m older I can see that he was just comfortable with the commotion around him and didn’t have to steal the show or be the center of attention. He was happy to sit back, relax, and let us run amok to our hearts content. I loved hearing his stories of working in the airrforce and have always been incredibly proud to be the granddaughter of an Airforce Vet. Grandpa will be so missed. However,I know Aunt Sally, Mary, Uncle Earl, and the many who love him dearly and have gone before him had to be so excited to embrace him and show him the ropes around heaven. I know that as he looks into the eyes of our Savior, he will have so much to be proud of from this life. I love you grandpa! Love Elaina
A Bend in the Road:
When we feel we have nothing left to give and we are sure that the song has ended,
when our day seems over and the shadows Fall and the darkness of night has descended,
where can we go to find the strength to valiantly keep on trying?
Where can we find the hand that will dry the tears that the heart is crying?
There’s but one place to go and that is to god, and dropping all pretense and pride,
we can pour out our problems without restraint and gain strength with him at our side.
And together we stand at life’s crossroads and view what we think is the end, but God has a much bigger vision, and he tells us it’s only a bend.
For the road goes on and is smoother, and the pause and the song is a rest, and the part that’s unsung and unfinished is the sweetest and richest and best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger.
Let go and let God share your load.
Your work is not finished or ended,
you’ve just come to a bend in the road.
– Helen Steiner Rice-
Kolleen Forsyth (Waldo) says
Sympathies to Dale’s family from the Waldo family. Fond memories of all of you when we grew up as neighbors. I found Dale’s sign business and design skills to be fascinating, even as a youngster. Sending hugs as you gather to say your goodbyes. 🫂. We know how difficult it is to lose our dads, and our moms. 💔
Peggy Pyle says
Dear Benti family,
So sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. I have lots of good memories of him living near us in the Pine Hills. I let my day know about Dale’s passing today. Dad said Dale was really a good friend. He will miss him and the flying they did and the runway they shared. Patsy, I so enjoy visiting with you at Walmart from time to time. I’m so sorry for your loss.
May God bless you and your family during this hard time.
Love,
Peggy Weikert Pyle
Patrick Stoltz says
It was sad to see this. Dale was such an amazing guy. Very good friends with my dad. It was always fun when the two would come up to Ennis or Bozeman to check in and hang out for a day. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Cheryl R. Yasuda says
Dale hired my mother, Florence Rainey, for her first job after becoming a widow. Your family was so kind to her, and she truly loved you all! Thank you for your kindness all those years ago. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to your family. -Cheryl Rainey Yasuda
Darbie Karch and family says
To the Benti family: so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. He will be missed by all. He was a man of many talents. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne South says
Patsy and family , I am sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I know what it’s like because I lost mine a couple years ago. Just know the Lord is with you. My sincere condolences. Suzanne South
Deb Jerrel says
My condolences dear friend💔💔💔
Karen Cline says
Darlene: I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
David Daniel says
I feel so bad I missed this wonderful person .He was my Moms brother. IM David Daniel. Dale and I went hunting moose in canada, he shot a large moose, We had a great time .I remember Dale when I was 5 at my dads ranch he build Jimmy and a I a teepee in the woods.We played in there for years.We had many times went hunting with Dale and sure knew how to hunt with a bow or rifle.Good old days. I miss him and wish I was there at his funeral. I did not know.