BENTLEY, Ruth Frances

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, November 07, 2012 Ruth Frances Nelson Bentley, 76, passed away on Nov. 1, 2012. She was born to Nels Truman Frances Nelson and Hannah Heathcoate Nelson on Feb. 27 1936, in Pawtucket, R.I. Ruth is survived by her husband of 57 years, Thomas Scott Bentley Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law, Lin and Robert Keeling of El Paso, Texas; and daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Stuart Denike; grandsons, Andrew and Matthew Denike and granddaughter, Melissa Denike, all of Phoenix, Ariz. Ruth was a member of P.E.O. for 28 years, serving in three chapters in Flagstaff and Prescott, proudly participating in fundraising and other activities in support of young women pursuing careers in nursing and other health-related fields. She founded Flagstaff's first hospice program and was an active member of Prescott United Methodist Church as well as other Methodist churches wherever she lived, and she served in the Western Conference of the United Methodist Church. She was a Girl Scout mother and leader when her daughters were young and was active in Rainbow as a young girl. Thanks to all who knew Ruth for your loving kindness to our beloved wife, mother and grandmother during her life. May her gentle, quiet spirit continue through all who knew and loved her. We also thank the wonderful, caring people of Good Samaritan Hospice of Prescott, Marley House and New Horizons Care Home for their compassionate care of Ruth during the last stages of her illness. Memorial donations may be given and made payable to the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, sent to P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312-2899. Information provided by survivors.