Ruth Catherine Bentley, beloved and cherished wife of John Bentley for 63 years, and phenomenal mother of 6 children, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2014. She was surrounded by John, her husband, and their 6 children. Ruth was born in Palo Alto, CA on August 26, 1929 to the late James Henry and Ruth Catherine Marshel (Simpkin). She was one of four children; her late sisters, Dorothy Marshel, Doris Starbody, and her late brother, James Marshel. Ruth attended St. Monica's Grammar School followed by Presentation High School in San Francisco. While at Presentation High School she met her husband, John M. Bentley, where they attended her senior prom together and fell in love. Married at old Saint Mary's Catholic Church in San Francisco's Chinatown on November 17, 1951, John and Ruth enjoyed almost 63 years of marriage. Ruth initially worked as a secretary and was recognized with a PHT (Putting Husband Through) certificate in June of 1955 from USF School of Law after the birth of their first child. In 1964 the family moved to Menlo Park in San Mateo County, where they remained.
While raising her family, Ruth was active in the Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary, benefitting Packard Children's Hospital and was a member and past president of the St. Raymond's Mothers Club. She also enjoyed being a volunteer with the Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary at Allied Arts in Menlo Park. Always ready with a contagious smile, her entertaining sense of humor and charm won the hearts of many. Ruth loved interior design and had a knack for flawless style. Even battling serious health issues and challenges in the last several years, Ruth will be remembered for demonstrating elegance, poise and grace throughout her life. She cherished her family, to whom she showed unwavering love and dedication. Ruth adored her role as a dedicated wife, devoted mother, and caring grandmother and committed to this with the utmost warmth and compassion. Her biggest joy was shepherding and guiding her children into the world and watching them achieve adulthood and success with their families, and in their chosen fields. She is survived by her beloved husband, John M. Bentley, six devoted children and their spouses; John Bentley Jr. (Patti), Julie Bentley Winder (Peter), Jim Bentley (Pam), Joe Bentley (Ashlee), Josh Bentley (Emily), and Mark Bentley (Sheri), and her grandchildren; Marshel, Rachael, John III, Kaitlin, Olivia, Will, Kate, Luke and Luci Bentley, and step grandchildren; Emily See-Winder, P.J., Kim and Alan Winder, Paige Fiander, and Angela and Milan Florez.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers and support by those who knew and loved her. Her gift of joy will never be forgotten. We are honored by this beautiful life well lived.
Ruth will be interred at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma beside her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Daisie and Mark Bentley. Private funeral mass and services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School, 1390 Five Wounds Lane San José, CA 95116 (cristoreysanjose.org or peter.pabst@cristoreysj.org) or St Anthony's Padua Dining Room, 3500 Middlefield Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (paduadiningroom.com).
