Phyllis Leona Bentz

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.