Bentley Becker

Becker, Bentley The table has been set for some serious gourmet fare in heaven. That's because culinary artist Bentley Ann Becker has entered into eternal life. Bentley, formerly of Saginaw, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Monday, August 17 at Indian River Medical Center, in Vero Beach, Florida. She was 73. Bentley was born to Clement and India Rock on November 25, 1941, in Grosse Pointe Farms. She grew up in Saginaw and is a graduate of St. Andrew High School, where she was a cheerleader. Barely out of high school and only 17 years old, Bentley married Gary Becker on June 26, 1959 in Saginaw. "They" said the young couple would never make it. More than 56 years of marriage, four children and a few joint business successes later, proved otherwise. Bentley worked side by side for decades with Gary to help first build Becker Asphalt Paving Co. (Saginaw) and later Crystal Lake Marina (Beulah). She was the driving force behind the development of West Becker Woods, an upscale subdivision in Saginaw Township where the couple made their home for more than a decade before relocating to Beulah. In her younger years, Bentley enjoyed playing tennis, social clubs and doting on her "babies." The couple retired in the mid-1990s to North Hutchinson Island, Florida, where Bentley became a Happy Homemaker. She loved birthdays, shopping with her daughters, entertaining guests, special occasions, and especially Christmas, where her cooking and decorating skills were on full display. If you left Bentley's delightful dinner table hungry, well, you really weren't trying. She also loved watching the Cooking Channel, in her little room, far removed the main living area where for decades the big-screen TV would be blaring on Sundays as Gary, often joined by family members, would be roaring his disgust as yet another Lions debacle played out. The family takes solace in knowing that "The Mom" is now home renewing acquaintances with loved ones that have gone before her. That precious tee-hee they now hear is Bentley chortling at her own jokes. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband and soul mate of 56 years, Gary Becker. Her four children: Jon (Lisa) Becker, Jan Becker (Janice Robinson), Jill (Tom) Wright, and Jason Becker. She also is survived by a brother, Terry (Peggy) Rock. In addition to her parents, Clement and India, Bentley was predeceased by two brothers, Richard Rock and Duane Rock. Cremation has taken place. There will be no service. Those wishing to make a donation in Bentley's memory may consider the Wounded Warriors Project.