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MARY BENTSEN Obituary

BENTSEN--Mary Bates. Mary Bates Bentsen died on Sunday, the 12th of May, 2019, at her home in Houston surrounded by family. She was born in Houston on the 15th of March, 1929, to the late Col. William B. Bates and Mary Dorsey Bates. In addition to her parents and her sister Jean Bates Cartwright, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Kenneth E. Bentsen. A fifth-generation Texan, Mary attended River Oaks Elementary School, Kincaid School, Lamar High School, Mt. Vernon College, and received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. After college, she co-founded the predecessor to the Houston Invitation Service before marrying the love of her life, Kenneth, on December 3, 1953. Throughout her life, Mary was an active member of her community, serving on the boards of several state and local organizations including: San Jacinto Museum of History Association (of which her father was a founding board member); Friends of the Governor's Mansion; Junior League of Houston; River Oaks Garden Club; Town & Country Garden Club; Child Guidance Center of Houston; and Kappa Alpha Theta (life member). She was a member of Bolero, Bayou Club, and Houston Country Club. Mary was also recognized as a member of the Children of the Republic of Texas. Among her survivors are her children: Molly Bates Bentsen; Betty Bentsen Newton and Stephen D. Newton; Kenneth Edward Bentsen, Jr. and Tamra Kiehn Bentsen; and William Lloyd Bentsen and Leslie Anne Moyer; her grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth Zimmerman and Zachary Mark Zimmerman; Elizabeth Bates Newton; Louise Colbath Bentsen; Camille Bentsen Newton; and Meredith Ellsworth Bentsen; her great-grandchildren: Chloe Zimmerman; Bentsen Zachary Zimmerman; and Luke William Zimmerman; and her sisters-in-law: Beryl Ann Bentsen and Betty Bentsen Winn. For a more complete and detailed obituary notice with service details, please visit Mrs. Bentsen's online memorial tribute at www.geohlewis.com In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed toward the San Jacinto Museum of History, One Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571; or to the River Oaks Garden Club Forum of Civics Foundation, 2503 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098.

Published by New York Times on May 15, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for MARY BENTSEN

Not sure what to say?





What a wonderful long life your loved one had, Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years. Special mightiness indeed. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

Maria A

May 21, 2019

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

May 18, 2019

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

May 18, 2019

To her loving family, my most deepest condolence, and may our heavenly father bring comfort to all. Psalms 9:9

May 16, 2019

Betty and family,
Sending much love and our deepest sympathies after the loss of your Mother. A wonderful and lovely lady, Mary was a friend to so many in our community. Joe and I send heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead.
Love, Melinda

Melinda Abell

May 16, 2019

So sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Ay God be with you.

May 15, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray in the midst of your sorrow, I hope you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared and will always cherish these beautiful memories . Romans 15:13

May 15, 2019

Carolyn Keeble

May 15, 2019

Please except my deepest sympathy for your loss. Look to God for comfort and strength. He is tender in mercy. 2 Corintians 1:3-4 says that God is the God of All COMFORT. Look to him for help.


LW

May 15, 2019

I'm sorry for your loss. May the true God of comfort, comfort those mourning and bind up the broken-hearted.
Isaiah 61:1,2

Cj

May 15, 2019

Very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Lauro Guerra

May 15, 2019

We want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We too are deeply saddened by the loss that you have experienced. Let your warm memories of happy times comfort you, and most of all, may you seek the comfort that God gives. Psalm 147:3.

May 15, 2019

Extending deep heartfelt sympathy to the Bates and Bentsen family. May God give you peace and strength to keep you going during your time of sorrow.

Romans 15:33

May 15, 2019

I grew up with Bentsen's. Mary was always nice and would take us on all kinds of fun trips to Mexico and the Valley. Sweet lady. Rest In Peace.

Marvin McMurrey

May 14, 2019

Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving god promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13)

May 14, 2019

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