Russell Vance Bentley, Sr., age 81, of Forsyth passed away on Monday December 12, 2016 at Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth. Russell was born May 2, 1935 in Parkman, Wyoming to Corwin Leigh and Lila Pearl (Noble) Bentley. He was one of seven children.
He attended school in Hardin, MT until the tenth grade. In 1958, he began service to his country in the United States Army. After 2 years he was transferred to the US Army Reserves. Russ farmed in Hardin and on Tulloch Creek.
On March 12, 1967 Russell married Edith Noel Abarr in Hardin, MT. To this union two sons were born, Bryan and Russell, Jr. They moved to Forsyth in 1977 where he worked as a laborer for Rosebud County until he retired in 1999. Russell was a board member for the Assembly of God church.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents Corwin and Lila Bentley; his wife Edith, and his siblings Lila Melton, Glendale “Peewee” Bentley, Mary Lou Blair, and Lynn Bentley.
He is survived by his two sons Bryan C. Bentley (St. Cloud, MN) and Russell V. Bentley, Jr. (Nashwauk, MN); his grandchildren and great-grandchildrenand; his siblings Ruby Maus (Moses Lake, WA), and Doris King (Boise, ID); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Cathy Byron says
Bryan and Russ –
Your father was a remarkable man of loyalty and faith. His faithful visits to your mother when she entered the nursing home was a powerful testimony. He was a spiritual giant who drew the admiration of men. He left you a mighty legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Diana Robinette says
Bryan and Russ sending my prayers to you and your family your dad was one of the nicest and kindest man I knew I enjoyed him and your mom when I managed the apts but now he is with Edith may the Lord bless you both. Diana
Patti Crosby says
Condolences to the family, Russell was such a sweet man & always had a smile. We’ll miss seeing him at the Senior Center on Potluck days.
Grace Larson says
Russell was a fine man. He and Edith were so close and he was always there for her. My thoughts and prayers to Russells’ family.
Waneeta Farris says
Bryan and Russ
It is always sad to lose a loved one but he is now with your mom and they are rejoicing.
Virgil has many good memories when your dad worked for the county. He was a joy to be around and he could get along with anyone.
We send our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Virgil and Waneeta Farris
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Russ and. Bryan,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Kay
Kris Crosby says
I’ve known the Bentley family for most of my life. Russell Sr. & his wife Edith were two of the most generous, caring, good-hearted people I have ever known, with a devotion to their faith that was admirable.
Truly the salt of the earth!!
Russ Jr. has long been like a brother to me. We’ve shared the type of friendship that comes only a few times in life.
To Russ Jr., Bryan, and family, I offer my most sincere condolences.
T. Kelly says
My heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May God Almighty, Father of tender mercies and all comfort continue to strengthen you all (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). How eager we all are to see the fulfillment of Gods promise to completely remove death, tears, mourning, outcry and pain (Revelation 21:4). The Bible also provides assurance of the resurrection hope for our dead loved ones (John 5:25). May these promises from God bring you comfort.