Obituary of M'liss Mary Bentley

M’liss Mary Bentley passed away November 29, 2023, in Olympia, Washington.  She was born July 9, 1930, to Frank and Mary McPhee in Montesano, Washington.  She resided in McCleary, Washington, for 70 years.

 

M’liss graduated from Montesano High School in 1948 and from St. Peter School of Nursing in 1951.  She worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington; for Dr. Allisen Stewart in McCleary; at Group Health Co-op in Olympia; and was Director of Nursing at Mark Reed Hospital in McCleary. She loved nursing and those she cared for loved her in return.

 

M’liss married Wallace Bentley on August 26, 1967, in Shelton, Washington. They were each other’s everything for 56 years. Their life together was a great love story and wonderful example for their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

 

M’liss was a pillar of strength throughout her life, even when being strong wasn't easy. She always drew her strength from God.  There was never a day that passed that she didn't do her Rosary and read her readings. Whenever she tried to give encouragement to her children and grandchildren, she would always say, “Look to God for your strength and guidance.”  She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

 

M’liss had many interests over the years.  She loved being with her children and grandchildren; spending time at the ocean, particularly Gearhart, Oregon, and Cannon Beach; shopping, especially for shoes; going to the Italian Festival in Reno; dancing; and watching The Kitchen and The Voice. One of her passions was cooking and she was very good at it.  She loved hosting family dinners.  Everyone especially looked forward to holidays and birthdays because of the fantastic food, amount of love, and laughter they shared.

 

M'liss was strong-willed, compassionate, and a leader.  She will be remembered for how much she loved caring for people, for being feisty, and for never quitting. 

 

She is survived by her husband, Wallace Bentley; daughters, Judy Thomas of Tacoma, Washington, and Jenny Smythe of Shelton, Washington; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and sister, Sally Baxter of Montesano.  She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mary McPhee; grandparents, Michael and Maggie Gleeson, and William and Josephine McPhee; brothers, Mike, Frank and Archie McPhee; and three grandchildren.

 

A funeral mass will be held Friday, December 22, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1208 11^th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.  A private inurnment will be at McCleary Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church.

 

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