Barbara J. Bentz

Barbara, 74, after an extended battle with cancer, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Chico, Calif., and grew up in Oakland. While attending college in Seattle, Washington, she met and married Ronald J. Bentz of Sublimity, Oregon. Upon Rons commissioning in the US Army, they moved to their first duty station at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Following their tour in Hawaii, the couple and their growing family returned to Oregon, eventually settling at the Blue Den Ranch in Jordan in 1964. Barbara held a bachelors degree in education from Seattle University and taught at grade schools and high schools throughout the area. She joined her husbands company, Ron Bentz and Associates, as a personal secretary and administrative assistant from 1981-2002. Barbara was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Jordan and a Lady of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. She was renowned for her hospitality and her willingness to welcome all into her happy home. A model of Christian grace and dignity throughout her life up to the moment of her death, she will be remembered and loved by all who knew her. Barbara is survived by her sons, Clint (Maureen) Bentz of Jordan, Dr. Charles (Suzy) Bentz of Portland, COL (Ret) Randy (Clare) Bentz of Jordan; daughters, Theresa Crocker of Jordan, and COL Julie (Brendan Plapp) Bentz of Washington D.C.; brother, King Cole of Spokane, Wash; sister, Marilyn McCrea of Walnut Creek, Calif.; and 18 grandchildren. Recitation of Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Jordan. Mass of Christian burial will be at 1 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2009 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Jordan. Interment will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Jordan. Contributions may be made to the Faith Formation Fund at the Regis High School Foundation in lieu of flowers. Weddles Funeral Home in Stayton is serving the family.