Eileen Bentley

Eileen Bentley, 87, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in Babbitt, Minnesota.

She was the daughter of Pete and Freida Oquist, born on November 5, 1935 in Olgilvie, Minnesota and grew up in Pengilly. She met the love of her life, Ray Bentley when attending Beautician School in Rapid City, South Dakota while he was stationed at Ellsworth AFB.

They were married for 68 years and had five daughters. Eileen loved to sing and had a beautiful voice that was enjoyed by many at various events throughout the years. She always had a song in her heart and would break out singing anytime anywhere. She welcomed and took care of everyone who walked through her doors, day or night. She was the host of many family gatherings, the latest being her husband’s 90th birthday celebration in July. She was a lifelong member of the Woodland Presbyterian Church and served as choir director for many years. She also attended Talking Rock First Baptist Church while wintering in Georgia.  Eileen will be greatly missed by her Georgia and Minnesota family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Freida Oquist; her brothers Fred, Arnold, Edward and Wallace Oquist; her sisters Adeline Oquist, Eleanore Woods, Ethel Maki and Lillian Oquist; her daughter Karen Monte, grandson Bobby Slining and son-in-law Donald Swartz.

She is survived by her husband Orville Ray Bentley; sister Violet Maki; daughters Debbie (Jeff) McGraw, Vickey Slining, Dawn (Joe) McKenney and Joan Swartz ; grandchildren Jill Anzinger (Chad Lockey), Brenda (Joe) Carlan, Sean (Jessica Dunn) McDonald, Patrick (Summer) McDonald, Donald (Briita Noyes) Swartz, Samantha (Joe) Roarty, Laccey (Logan) Murphy and Larry Powers; great-grandchildren Nathanial (Ivy DiPrima), Ethan (Victoria Hammock), Fox, Arabella, Ophelia, Ryan, Keagan, Kael, Judy, Charley, Reigan and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

Eileen’s daughters are honoring her request that no services be held for her at this time.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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