Ronald "Ron" E Bentley

Ronald E. Bentley
October 17, 1934 - September 21, 2021

Ronald Edward Bentley, age 86 of Monroe, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Born October 17, 1934 in Monroe, MI he was the son of the late Richard and Catherine (Schmidt) Bentley. Ron received his primary education from St. Michael Grade School, followed by Monroe Catholic Central High School. Ron then proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He was an Airborne Radio Technician, stationed oversees in Keflavik, Iceland.

Life would eventually bring Ron to meet Norma Jean (Swartz) Wellman. The two were married on January 15, 2005 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. They spent 16 wonderful years together.

Ron started working in 1955 at Michigan Bell Telephone Company. He was a Central Office Technician for 16 years before being in various supervisory positions for the next 18 years. He was most recently a Central Office Engineer for the last nine years, retiring in 1990 after 35 years with the company.

Ron was a long time member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe. He sang with the St. Mary Resurrection Choir for 21 years. Ron was a part of the Knights of Columbus Monroe Post 1266, as well as the Loyal Order of the Moose Post 884. In his later years, he was also a part of the Frenchtown Senior Center.

In his younger years, Ron was an avid outdoor sportsman. He could often be found fishing, hunting, or canoeing. Ron also enjoyed going out on his boat, being a member of the Monroe Boat Club for 33 years, 1980-2013. Sailing became one of his number one endeavors throughout the years. Ron also worked through the Cub Scout/Boy Scout program as his older two sons progressed. He practiced and taught Judo at the YMCA from 1964-1976. After retirement, Ron spent much of his time practicing and competing at pool, billiards, and bocce with friends.

To cherish his memory, Ron leaves his loving wife, Norma Jean Bentley; children from his marriage to Oma McBee: Matthew (Mary) Bentley, Paul (Sandy) Bentley, Phillip (Shannon) Bentley, Joseph (Heather) Bentley, Carol (Greg) Dion, Ann (Eric) Miller; and Amy (Michael) Holley; son from his marriage to Linda Leibenguth, Christopher Bentley; two stepsons, Phillip and Douglas Wellman; brother, Charles (Sue) Bentley; one sister, Beth Nied; twenty eight grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his brother, James (the late Monta) Bentley; his sister, Marianne (the late LaVerne) Minton; and brother in law, Gary Nied.

Family and friends may visit from 2pm-8pm at Rupp Funeral Home on Monday October 4, 2021 where a scripture service will be held that evening at 6pm. Ron will lie in-state at 10am on Tuesday October 5, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at 11am. Father David Burgard, Pastor of the church, will officiate. In accordance with Ron's wishes, cremation and then burial of his ashes at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Monroe, will occur at a later date. Military honors under the auspice of VFW Post 1138 will be performed at the burial.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ron's honor are asked to please consider the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com