Phyllis Leona Bentz
December 1st, 2013
BENTZ, Phyllis Leona (Hussey)
Nov. 4, 1916 - Dec. 1, 2013
Phyllis Bentz passed away peacefully in her ninety-eighth year of life in Calgary. Phyllis grew up on a family farm near Stewart Valley, Saskatchewan and then completed normal school before teaching in one room rural schools near Stewart Valley. During the Second World War she joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps where she worked as an optics instrument technician. On Jan. 4, 1947 Phyllis and Daniel Bentz were married. After a short time in BC they bought a farm at James River Bridge, Alberta. Phyllis then returned to teaching in nearby Sundre. Phyllis, who very much valued education, attended the University of Alberta in 1968 and completed her Bachelor of Education degree. She continued to teach until her retirement in 1975. She remained involved in the community by serving on the Sundre Town Library Board, and was an active member of the Royal Purple and the Sundre Legion; which bestowed upon her a lifetime membership. She believed that if possible one should keep physically active and stay interested in community and world affairs for a lifetime. Following the death of Daniel in 2008 Phyllis moved to High River and later Okotoks to be closer to family. Her sons, Donavon (Marion) Bentz of High River and Lloyd (Brenda) Bentz of Edmonton admired her independence and steadfastness. In addition to her love of reading and playing Scrabble (she made a sixty point play three days prior to her death) she recently stated that her most joy came from time spent with her grandchildren, Logan Bentz of Edmonton, Lesley (Aubrey) Dekok of Okotoks, Dr. Kristin Bentz of Calgary, and Dr. David (Renee) Bentz of Tucson, Arizona. This joy continued with visits from her great grandchildren, Will, Kate, and Coen Dekok. A Memorial Service will be held in the spring.
Messages:
We send our sincere Sympathy to the Family of Phyllis. Phyllis is greatly missed by us all.She was such a Lady and was so gentle in her ways. We will all cherish the memories she left behind. Chaplin: Barb Raymond
Dear Bentz family: I'm not sure if you remember me, but I certainly remember your Mom. She taught school in Sundre with my Mom (who died just after your Mom). I remember them teaching in the old school and also remember visits to your place. She was one of the old guard of teachers that can not be replaced. Please accept my condolences.
So sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. It was a privilege to have known her. I miss her at our Lodge meetings and the quick chats we had at the post office or at Sobeys. She was a very special Lady, we are running our of them very fast. So now we are left with the many great times to reflect on. My sincere condolence's to the family; A friend Barb Raymond