Theadora Bentley

Theadora Bentley, age 95, of Twin Valley, MN, died Wednesday, October 19, 2005, in the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN. Theadora Valmina Thompson was born September 10, 1910, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Hagen) Thompson, near Gary, MN. She was baptized at North Wild Rice Lutheran Church. At the age of five, she moved with her family to a farm northeast of Twin Valley where she spent her childhood. She was confirmed in her faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley in 1925. Theadora attended rural school, Twin Valley High School and Moorhead State College for one year. She was a rural school teacher east of Twin Valley before marrying Ervin Bentley on November 19, 1931. The couple farmed near Twin Valley, Gary and Ada except for a short while when they lived in Crookston, MN. They moved back to Gary in 1957 where they lived for the next 30 years. Because of her husband’s illness, they entered the Lutheran Memorial Retirement Center in 1995. Ervin died June 19, 1997. Theadora was a member of Gary Lutheran Church for 30 years where she was active in ladies aid and circle as well as having taught Sunday school and confirmation classes. She also enjoyed her role as a homemaker and loved to baby-sit the grandchildren. Theadora said she was so blessed with all of her family living close by. Being with them was her pride and joy. She enjoyed many activities including learning to crochet. With that talent, Theadora made treasured doilies for her family and friends. With her talent of writing, she wrote her memories of the early years entitled "The Simple Life". Theadora was also involved in the 2nd grade Adoptive Grandparent Program in the Gary school. Theadora is survived by a daughter, Shirley (Eugene) Radtke of Moorhead, MN; three sons, Eldo (Marlys), Curtis (JoAnn) and Roland (Marce) all of Twin Valley, MN; one brother, Marvin Thompson, Twin Valley, MN, ten grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, three sisters, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, October 23, 2005, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 4:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 24, 2005, at 10:30 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Officiating will be Pastor Charles Bade with Alden Anderson serving as organist and Terri Dahlen and Alden Anderson serving as vocalists. Pallbearers will be Dale Bentley, Roger Bentley, Dean Bentley, Rick Bentley, Mark Radtke and Steven Radtke. Honorary pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment will take place in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley, MN. Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home Twin Valley, MN

Theadora Bentley

September 10, 1910 - October 19, 2005