Mary Bentz

Mary Jane (Humphreys) Bentz passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at 12:40 AM as a result of cancer. She struggled hard for 14 years against the effects of this disease but finally succumbed, to then open her waiting door with eternity on the other side. In doing so she took her individual journey of re-discovery through the veil of forgetfulness back to her Heavenly Father.
She loved life here with family and friends, giving of herself over and over again to the needs of others. Sickness then overtook her to limit her ability to serve physically but not restricting verbal service. She was a welcome light for love was life to her. Mary was born on 24 June 1952 in Coos Bay, Coos County, Oregon which is commonly referred to by many of the older natives there, as "the little San Francisco of the Oregon Coast. She was the 2nd child of 8 children born to Francis Andrew Humphreys and Gwendolyn Vere Muldowney, both deceased. Her father and four of her siblings preceded her in death as a result of cancer.
It pleasured her to remember outwardly the history of her life and family before, despite their humble circumstances. Mary loved her grandmother Humphreys very much testifying that it was her grandmother that taught her the basics of the gospel, especially, how to pray. By that example she endeavored to pass those truths on to her children and grandchildren.
Mary was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in several positions over the coming years. She loved to teach and it showed. She also possessed a fervent testimony of the church and the gospel declaring the same to many people over the years.
She met her husband Tom on 28 Dec. 1968 while he was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard in Coos Bay. They were married on 22 Mar. 1969 in North Bend, Coos County, Oregon. When their daughter Sonya was born on 15 Dec. 1970, a solitary couple became a new family with purpose. It was a joyful Christmas and one never to be forgotten. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on 18 Mar. 1974, the happiest day of their life together, as a family sealed together forever after.
Mary was a gifted reader of books possessing an excellent recall to the content of those books she read especially those that touched her heart. She learned to read primarily through her sister Twila who started to teach her at about eighteen months old. Books became thereafter to Mary as a world to explore and sometimes to escape to when life was hard to bear. The greatest asset was knowledge to which she pursued everyday. Mary could read very fast and her powers of comprehension was way ahead of many students, sometimes to the chagrin of her peers. Her favorite book in the scriptures was the Book of James and a personal favorite from the rank and file of the world where she learned much about faith and endurance was entitled, "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom. She would often refer to it and its author's experiences during World War II.
Mary taught herself many skills from the numerous books she gleaned knowledge from, such as, cooking, canning, decorating a home, organic gardening and scores of others. She took classes in calligraphy adding to her love of art. She also took classes in natural childbirth, involving her husband as well and together brought their son Justin into the world on 15 Sept. 1975 as equal partners in the effort along with the aid of a physician. Her achievement was a blessing to witness, and a son that brought them many happy returns as well as all their children. Later, on 31 Dec. 1986 their last child Jonathan joined the family. He was an answer to many prayers, and a pleasant addition to a joyful Christmas.
She was also an excellent driver never getting into an accident, plus an excellent co-pilot while her husband drove the car helping him many times as they traveled across country. Her devotion and service to her husband was truly exemplary. Her love for husband, children and grandchildren was experienced by all, individually and collectively.
One of the greatest pleasures of her working experience was when she was employed at the American West Heritage Center here in Cache Valley. She loved the people she worked with and enjoyed dressing up in pioneer clothing while reciting historical events and traditions of the 1850s plus cooking authentic foods of the period, all to the delight of many visitors who came to the center. Excitedly she would freely tell of her experiences there to family and friends. It was her favorite job outside the home. This job as well as at home and church reflected her talents to motivate and organize such events.
A poem of unknown authorship that she loved emphasizes her feelings about life: "My lot is cast in inland places, far from sounding beach and crying gull. And I, who knew the seas voice from babyhood, must listen to a river purling through green fields, and small birds gossiping among the leaves."
Mary had a strong constitution in facing many of life's circumstances, while at the same time, adjusting her attitude to help her meet the challenges that came with those circumstances out of her control. She passed her test of courage. To this end we will miss our "mistress of the sea" when she had vitality of body, mind and spirit. Trusting now in the promise given of a resurrection through the infinite sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all men, we bid her farewell till we meet again. Until then, "In the yellow dust of sunsets, in the meadows of vermilion eight o'clock June nights", her one husband will remember her many gifts with gratitude and love.
Mary is survived by her husband Tom and three children: Sonya (Dale) Gilbreath of Modesto, Ca.; Justin (Raquel) Bentz and Jonathan David Bentz of Logan. Eight grandchildren: Jed and Jesse Gilbreath of Logan; Hannah, Sophia and Isabella Gilbreath of Modesto, Ca.; and Wyatt, Jacob and Sadie Bentz of Logan. Two siblings: Twila Hicks and Jesse Humphreys of Rainier, Oregon survive her. Extended family and dear friends remember her.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Logan 6th Ward Chapel, 94 West 600 South in Logan. A viewing will be held prior to services at the church from 10:45 to 11:45 AM. Interment will be at the Providence Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all those who have demonstrated their support during our bereavement. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Ali Ben-Jacob and his staff, plus the IHC Hospice staff for their kind attention to Mary's needs. You have all shown extraordinary stewardship for her care. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net .