Marian Smith Bentley

Marian Staker Smith Bentley 1913 – 2008

A bright and happy spirit has left this earthly sphere. Marian S. Bentley passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008. Marian was born on May 17, 1913 to William and Sarah Staker. She was the youngest of five children. Her siblings, Bernice Thompson, Phil, Kelly and Hugh all preceded her in death.

Marian married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Smith in the Salt Lake Temple June 20, 1934. Ralph passed away in 1961. Together they had three children: Ralph Sonny, Ann and William Bill.

On September 11, 1970 Marian married LeRoi Bentley. Roi was a wonderful companion and together they shared a love of mountain hiking, hunting, and fishing. She loved his family as her own.

Marian was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. Her greatest love was working with children and she taught Jr. Sunday School and Primary for many years.

She worked at ZCMI Wholesale, for the LDS Church Building Department, Primary Children’s Hospital, and the Salt Lake Temple.

Marian loved music and sang in a sextet. She learned to paint when in her 70’s and discovered a new talent.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings’ husbands, one grandson, a great grandson, and a great granddaughter.

She is survived by her three children. Sonny Jane, Ann Garth Eldridge, and Bill Jeannie. She is also survived by her step son Craig Vadonna Bentley as well as a total of 23 grandchildren and four adopted great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren plus two adopted granddaughters and four adopted great grandchildren and her beloved dog, Natasha.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Willow Grove Ward, 8539 South 2200 West, West Jordan. Friends may call at Russon Brothers Salt Lake Mortuary, 255 South 200 East on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also at the Ward on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Online guest book available at www.russonmortuary.com