Obituary: Bentz, Merna Jean
She was the second of four children, John, Gladys, and Mary who preceded her in death, along with her stepfather, Art Strege.
At age nine, her family moved to Spokane and resided in the Minnehaha Neighborhood where she attended Cooper Grade School and Rogers High School.
Jean met her future husband, Gordon “Ike” Bentz , a fellow Minnehaha neighbor when she was 16 years old.
They were married on December 14, 1947 celebrating 62 years prior to Ike’s death in January 2010.
Jean loved being a “Mom” and felt blessed to have five children, Sandi, Susie (Mick) Docterman, John (deceased) Dave and Debbie (Ed) Babbitt, eight grandchildren, Tara (Sean) Chambers, Greg (Stephanie) Bell, Karrie (James) King, Mike (Katelyn) Babbitt, Chris Babbitt, Jeremy Bentz-Ashbaugh, Eric Babbitt and Brian Babbitt and her special great-grandchildren, Alexandra Chambers, Mikaylie King, Austin Bell, Jack Chambers and Olivia Bell.
Jean was happiest being with her family and extended family.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Merrick and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
In her younger years, Jean was very active with the Bemiss, Shaw and Roger’s PTA, she was a recipient of the “Golden Acorn Award”.
Jean also enjoyed bowling and in her later years she enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, many of whom were fortunate to have had Grandma as their babysitter.
Jean was a loving, giving Mom and Grandma.
Her family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Leo Obermiller and the staff of Davita Dialysis, North Spokane location along with Dan and Kaci from Hospice of Spokane for their loving care and support.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM, Thursday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM and Friday from 8:00AM to Noon at Heritage Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 11th at 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane.