Shirley Mae Bentz, 91, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away September 16, 2021 peacefully surrounded by her daughters. She was born January 20, 1930 in Hastings, Nebraska to Alice and John Hopp.
Shirley treasured spending time with her family and friends. She always had great ideas of something fun to do. She led a commendable life of service to her community receiving numerous awards. In 1993 she was awarded the Mesa Woman of the Year. She volunteered many service hours to First United Methodist Church, Mesa United Way, MARC, and Mahnah Club just to name a few.
She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She was known as “fun sweet Grams”. Many birthdays, barbeques, parties and family dinners were celebrated with her and of course the best of times were spent with all of the grandkids.
Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Dean D. Bentz. Loving mother of Bonnie Waters, Debbie Huston (Bruce) and Georgia Burns (Robbie). Cherished grandmother of Melissa, Jennifer, Suzanne, Nick, Brent, Natalie and Ryan. Devoted great-grandmother of Lance, Marcos, Andrew, Alyssa, Nicholas, Kalysta, Alex, Kason, Cora and great-great grandson Jameson. She is preceded in death by her six brothers and two sisters: Albert (Ruff), John (Cotney), Harry (Fatman), William (Pounds), Wallace (Hosa), Clifford (Bull), Delores, and Mary (Gabby).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona 85207.
Services are scheduled for 3pm on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, where Shirley will be laid to rest. A visitation will precede services from 5pm-8pm on Thursday, September 30, 2021.
*** Family requests mandatory face coverings be worn at both services please.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to – Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donte/donate-now/ AND Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org/donate
Shirley was a mentor to me in so many ways and helped me with a financial snag as she was so efficient with budgeting. I remember as a young married couple struggling to make ends meet and she would spend hours squeezing money back into our account. And I mean down to the last red cent it had to match up. She literally got us out of debt as her fingers flew over the calculator! It was like math magic and I am forever grateful for her helping us. I also loved the way she gave her whole heart and soul to the handicapped population and her genuine love for them. Shirley was an inspiration and way ahead of her time as an independent make her own decisions kinda all business woman. Shirley was always a person to donate and help all different walks of life and she will be greatly missed on earth!! I am sure she is telling plenty of stories to all souls in heaven. May she Rest In Peace for eternity. Love Rita Nelson
Georgia, I never knew your mother but I know that she had to be a very special mom because she raised a wonderful daughter like you. My sincere condolences.
SHIRLEY BENTZ …….
What an incredible, amazing, phonenominal admirable and Godly woman. My husband’s first encounter with Shirley was when she was the
first woman to become manager at the Arizona Bank. Terry applied for a car loan with not much credit, long hair and a beard. Shirley never judged him and after paying back the loan she was so pleased when he brought her flowers and a card. You can imagine the joy when our family was privileged to meet Shirley and Dean at FUMC in 1983. I became the Preschool Director and Shirley became my Board President guiding the Preschool through many obstacles. She was dedicated, very generous and worked hard to help provide services for the children and families. Our families instantly bonded and spend many special times together. When my family moved to Payson Shirley and Dean let us stay in their “Fun House” for 2 weeks while my husband Terry redecorated our new home. He did a lot of work for them and was always generously compensated even though he did not expect to be paid. Shirley and Dean provided “gifts of love” as she would put it for my son Jake to attend NAU.
Shirley would take my daughter and I to lunch and loved seeing my grandchildren. They called her Grandma Shirley. She was also a very special friend to my mother and father. We enjoyed many wonderful years of friendship that will remain in our hearts forever. We were truly blessed and so thankful to have her in our lives. God Bless You Shirley for touching our lives like no other. I always told her she was my guardian angel and Dean, Terry, Carol and Bob will greet her will loving arms. We love you and wish you the peace you so well deserve.