Janna Bentz

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Janna M. Bentz (Purcell) was born September 11, 1947, in Terre Haute, Indiana and entered into rest on April 19, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 75. 

Janna grew up on a farm in Prairieton, Indiana where she graduated from Honey Creek High School. 

After graduating, she married her high school sweetheart, Don Utterback, of whom preceded her in death shortly after their marriage. 

She moved to southwest Missouri in her early twenties, where she lived the remainder of her life. She spent several years caring for her children before graduating from MSSU and beginning her career as a Probation and Parole Officer for the state of Missouri. She was extremely proud of her accomplishments in her work and retired in 2014. 

Janna was a proud and devoted mother to seven children and loved spending time with them as well as her grandchildren. She was an exceptional friend, confidant, and unwavering source of positivity for so many, spending countless hours laughing and encouraging those she held most dear. Janna had a joyful presence, a warm, friendly smile, and a generous laugh that she delighted family and friends with daily. Janna enjoyed reading, watching her favorite tv shows, and anything to do with Elvis Presley.

Janna is survived by her seven children: Ami (Donnie) Davidson, Nicholas (Christine) Tepsick, Timothy Bentz, Mary (David) McAfee, Marie (Brian) Steinbach, Andrea Bentz and Samuel Bentz; a brother, Ronald Purcell, a cousin, Peggy Hanna, and eighteen grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Donald Davidson Jr., Samuel Davidson, Trevor Beck, Taylor Tepsick, London Tepsick, Ryan Tepsick, James Tepsick, Andy Tepsick, Ethan Bentz, Evan Bentz, Benjamin Bentz, Elizabeth Bentz, Isabel McAfee, Nathaniel McAfee, Josie McAfee, Anna Steinbach, Leah Steinbach, and Ella Steinbach, and many other family and dear friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy, Mildred, and Maxine Purcell, three sisters, Gayla Norris, Judy Purcell, and Pat Sickel, and a grandson,Timothy Paul Bentz III.

A Memorial Mass is scheduled for Monday, May 1st at 10 am at St. Canera Catholic Church in Neosho, Mo. The family will receive friends for a Rosary with Visitation to follow on April 30, 2023, at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho from 2:30-4:00 pm.