(From Clark Funeral Home)The world lost an extraordinary treasure on Friday, December 18, 2020. Ruth Madeline Bentz peacefully passed away at her home in Neosho, Missouri. She was 93 years old.
Ruth was born on July 31, 1927 to Lawrence and Adelaide (Norgate) Cook in Flint, Michigan. She was born with a tremendous heart, fearless free spirit, and a love for the outdoors. She was a child of the Great Depression which resulted in a difficult childhood.
During her teen years she moved to Tonawanda, New York where her purpose in life was set into motion.
It was in Tonawanda where she became pen pals with a handsome young soldier, named Harry, who was fighting in World War II. Ruth and Harry fell in love and married on May 11, 1946. They welcomed their first child, Frank, a year later.
Soon after the birth of their first child, Ruth and Harry made a life changing decision. They knocked on the door of a Catholic Church in the middle of the night to seek conversion to the Catholic Faith. Their Catholic faith would remain the center of their family for the rest of their lives.
Ruth and Harry welcomed three more children before leaving Tonawanda in 1960: Nell, Daniel, and Timothy. The family moved to Southern California and resided there for eleven years, gaining five more children: Michael, Mary, William, Joann, and Susan. Ruth had an adventurous spirit and was ready to leave California. She wasn't sure where she wanted to take her family of eleven. She laid out a map, closed her eyes, and pointed her finger somewhere in the middle of America, which resulted in the family moving to the Neosho, Missouri area in 1971.
The family joined St Canera Catholic Church in Neosho. Ruth spent much of her life at St. Canera. She was a woman with extraordinary faith and trusted God with every ounce of her soul. When Ruth wasn’t in church, she was likely at home praying a rosary. Countless hours of her life were spent praying for the ones she loved. The family knows of many miracles that resulted from her devoted prayers.
Ruth had a strong will and quiet strength, but was gentle and kind. She had a special place in her heart for those in need and would give even when she had nothing. She had the unique ability to make those she loved feel truly special, a fantastic feat with nine children and 120 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was compassionate and lived by the example that everyone is a child of God.
Ruth was a fantastic cook, with arguments sure to break out at family gatherings about who would take home her leftover potato salad. Each day, she could be found enjoying a cup of coffee and visiting with one of her many family members at her kitchen table.
Ruth and Harry welcomed three more children before leaving Tonawanda in 1960: Nell, Daniel, and Timothy. The family moved to Southern California and resided there for eleven years, gaining five more children: Michael, Mary, William, Joann, and Susan. Ruth had an adventurous spirit and was ready to leave California. She wasn't sure where she wanted to take her family of eleven. She laid out a map, closed her eyes, and pointed her finger somewhere in the middle of America, which resulted in the family moving to the Neosho, Missouri area in 1971.
The family joined St Canera Catholic Church in Neosho. Ruth spent much of her life at St. Canera. She was a woman with extraordinary faith and trusted God with every ounce of her soul. When Ruth wasn’t in church, she was likely at home praying a rosary. Countless hours of her life were spent praying for the ones she loved. The family knows of many miracles that resulted from her devoted prayers.
Ruth had a strong will and quiet strength, but was gentle and kind. She had a special place in her heart for those in need and would give even when she had nothing. She had the unique ability to make those she loved feel truly special, a fantastic feat with nine children and 120 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was compassionate and lived by the example that everyone is a child of God.
Ruth was a fantastic cook, with arguments sure to break out at family gatherings about who would take home her leftover potato salad. Each day, she could be found enjoying a cup of coffee and visiting with one of her many family members at her kitchen table.
Ruth was preceded in death by her mother and father, two brothers, John and Larry, and husband of over 50 years, Harry Frank Bentz, with whom she was eager to reunite. Ruth is survived by her sister, Joann Carlin of Buffalo, Ny, several nieces and nephews, and nine children: Harry Frank Bentz Jr. of Neosho, Nell Ann Jacobs (Michael) of Columbus, Ohio, Daniel James Bentz (Teresa) of Saginaw, Timothy Paul Bentz of Neosho, Michael David Bentz of Neohso, Mary Agnes Willadsen (David) of Excelsior Springs, William Joseph Bentz (Heather) of Joplin, Joann Teresa Sweet (Rick) of Joplin, and Susan Kristen Wear (Mark) of Joplin, as well as 120 grand, great, and great-great grandchildren.
On Tuesday, December 22 from 5:30-7:00 pm a rosary and viewing will be held at Clark Funeral Home. Friends are welcome.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 23 at 10:00 am at St. Canera Catholic Church in Neosho, Missouri. With apologies, the services will be private due to capacity restrictions. The family appreciates your understanding.
Contributions should be made to the Missouri Right to Life Foundation c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.
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