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William Burdette "Bunny" Bentley
08/06/1930 - 10/05/2011
BORN
08/06/1930
DIED
10/05/2011
William Bentley Obituary
BENTLEY,
William
Burdette "Bunny"
William "Bunny" Burdette Bentley passed away October 5, 2011 in Spokane Valley after a long battle with illness. Bill was born to William Clarke and Alice Bentley on August 6, 1930. When his mom and dad brought him home from the hospital, his big brother Bud noticed the embroidered bunnies on Bill's outfit and said, "There's my little baby Bunny" and the nickname stuck.
Bunny grew up in Tekoa and graduated from high school there as well. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served overseas in Alaska Territory until his discharge in 1953. He met the love of his life, Alma Leitz, at a Halloween party in 1953 and they were married October 3, 1954. In 1958 the Bentley's moved to Spokane and in 1959 son Daniel made their little family complete.
As a 3rd generation Union Pacific employee, Bill was proud to work for the company for 43 years. He was a crew dispatcher in Spokane for the majority of his career and also served as an agent in both Sandpoint and Moscow, Idaho for the last five years of his career. He served several years as an officer in the Union Pacific Oldtimers Local Chapter #10; also with NAVRE; served as a volunteer with the Spokane Valley Food Bank, taught for 14 years with Operation Life Saver, sang in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church, joined the Maverick Sams camping club and loved spending time with friends and family.
Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Willene Christiansen Nelson and his brother Buster Bentley. He is survived by his wife Alma, his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Carolyn Brearey Bentley, his grandson John Erich Bentley and wife Chelsea Ka Mayfield Bentley, his grandson Kristofer William Bentley and great-grandson Jude Orion Bentley with baby Hunter Bentley soon to be born. He is survived by his brother Loren "Bud" D. Bentley and sister-in-law Jan Bentley, his cousin Beverly and Larry Madsen, and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church, E. 8304 Buckeye, Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, the Spokane Valley Food Bank or charitable organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bentley
6 Entries
October 23, 2011
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of William B. Bentley for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.
Ryan Leonard
October 15, 2011
Alma and Family,
I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for Bunny's passing. He was always a good guy to be around. I'll always have strong memories of striking up conversations with him about WSU Cougar football when we saw each other. I'm glad I was able to make it to his memorial service. He will be missed.
Thomas Bentley
October 12, 2011
Aunt Alma and family,
As I reflected on my memories of Uncle Bunny, I saw in my heart the special and kind man he truly was.
Our thoughts, prayers and faith are with you all.
I had the opportunity to have breakfast Saturday with my Dad and together we reflected back to a brother and an uncle he was in our lives.
My regret is that our journey in life has been distant by the miles which we lived apart.
I take comfort that are relationship with GOD will bring us back together in heaven and to be blessed to share eternal life.
love, Tom and Margaret
Berry Davison
October 10, 2011
Bentley Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and although Bill will be missed very much by all, he will never ever be forgotten. All I need to do is think of him and my head is suddenly filled with nothing but good thoughts. Bill was a wonderful man, a very good friend and always a pleasure to work with.
Bev and Larry Madsen
October 9, 2011
Alma and family: He will always be my "uncle Bunny". Larry and I appreciate all the support you two have given us through the years. It is difficult, but comforting to know that he doesn't have to struggle
anymore. Love from our family...
Janice Olmsted
October 9, 2011
I regret the loss of one of my very favorite relatives. I always enjoyed the family get togethers with Alma, and Bunny. I wish you peace, and enjoy the many fond memories I am sure you all have this very nice person.
Janice Botts Olmsted (cousin)
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