Mary Spero Benti, age 94, of Forsyth passed away on Friday, January 12, 2017 at her home in Forsyth.
Mary was born in Rosebud County, Montana on April 5, 1922 to Joseph and Lena (Henke) Spero. She attended schools in Miles City and was one of the first groups to attend Miles Community College with five students graduating. She then attended college in Missoula where she received her teaching degree. Mary married Earl Benti on July 14, 1943 at the Darcy Hospital in Miles City. They leased ranches at Sonnette and Coalwood for over 20 years and Mary taught at rural schools in the area including Ashland, Colstrip, the Mission, Sonnette and Coalwood. She then moved to Forsyth were she remained until the time of her death.
Mary loved gardening and was known for her beautiful flowers. People would drive by just to admire them. She loved dancing, fishing, camping and listening to the fiddlers. She was a great cook.
Mary is survived by her nephews Dale (Darlene) Benti of Miles City, MT, John Macleod and Gary McGill and a great nephew Bruce Benti of Miles City; great nieces Garowyn McGill, Jeanie Dille and Patricia Benti and numerous other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl in 2001; her sisters: Catherine Mcleod, Martha Benti and Agnes White; her brothers: Frank, George, and Teddy Spero.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 23, 2017
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 23, 2017
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Lori Ferguson Reierson says
I remember Mrs Benti’s beautiful flowers in her yard and her endless hours out working on it. Driving by her home will not be the same.
Rusty and Ruthie says
She took pictures of my grandson in the pool. He was around 3 or 4 months and she thought that was so wonderful that he was in there. Got to go over and pick up a copy and got a tour of her beautiful yard. Beautiful lady heart and soul. You’ll be missed Mrs. Benti
Joan Leinwand says
My condolences to the family of a talented, educated, beautiful woman.
Katrina MacLeod says
I loved listening to my great aunt Mary as she told me stories of her life and how it intertwined with the history of the West. She was truly a woman ahead of her time. The lessons I’ve learned from her will stay with me for the rest my life.
Dave Phillips says
Mrs. Benti was my 4th and 5th grade teacher at the Home Creek School in the mid-50’s; then my 8th grade teacher at the Ashland School. I cannot begin to tell you the impact she had on me during those years! Next to Mom and Dad, and my Grandma Shy, she would be among the next tier of the most influential people of my elementary and high school years. I learned a lot from her not only about the school subjects but about life. Later, when Mom lived in Forsyth, I would be able to see and visit with Mary (hard, still, to refer to her by her first name – always Mrs. Benti to me) from time to time; always a very special person! To all her family, my wife and I extend our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Dale and Darlene. I remember Mary very fondly. She gave me cuttings of grape vines when we were first married 45 years ago and after two moves they still thrive. I think of her every time I see them. My deepest sympathy to you and yours. She certainly made her mark in the world! Laura Lee Irion Ullrich
Sonny Lockwood and Sandy Stahl says
Sonny and I often talk of Mary (and Earl) – of our respect, of their talents and abilities, of their strength. We met Mary and Earl when they leased a ranch in the 60’s near Coalwood. After they left the area, our families kept in touch. Though we seldom saw Mary we did visit her last summer. After a brief but great visit we agreed that she was as powerful a personality as ever. We extend our sympathies to Mary’s family. We will miss her, too.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Condolences to all Mary’s family and friends who will miss her so very much. She was a kind hard working woman.She could always be seen working in her yard. It was beautiful.
Gaylene Fortner says
Mary was so good to me, starting as a little girl who loved her flowers. I have pictures of me feeding their lambs. She has given me startings from several of her flowers, non have done as well as hers though. I enjoyed visiting her in Forsyth. A few years ago, I think she enjoyed letting me take pictures of set ups with her beautiful dishes to use for my painting references.
She will be missed.
Andy Kukes says
Mrs. Benti was actually my second grade teacher in Colstrip way back when. She definitely had an impact on my life. I still think of her once in awhile. My condolences to her family.