Jerry F. Bentley

Jerry F. Bentley ended his journey on December 5, 2014. During his passing he was surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jane; his daughter Laurie Bentley of Albuquerque, NM and his son Rick Bentley and wife, Apryl of Datil, NM. He is also survived by his step-children Jeremy Bridge and wife, Petra, of Albuquerque, NM and Jessica Coulson and husband, Brian, of Boulder, CO. Jerry had seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. Laurie's children Christian Bentley Gallegos, Malach Bentley Gallegos, Moriah Bentley Gallegos and Ariana Bentley Gallegos of Austin, TX, and Rick's children Michelle Bennett of Hampton, VA and her son Jamie Fultz; Judith Dirmeyer and husband Sam of Datil, NM, Anthony Bentley of Albuquerque, NM, and great-grandson John Dirmeyer. Jerry shared in the lives of Jane's grandchildren, Jeremy's son David, and Jessica's children Gavin, Julia, Corbin and Hayden Coulson. Jerry is also survived by his former wife, Judith Bentley of Albuquerque, NM. Jerry was born in Perrin, TX on September 17, 1934. His parents, both deceased, were Clyde and Alma Bentley of Arlington, TX. Jerry had two brothers, Dan Bentley, deceased, of Denison, TX, and George Bentley and wife, Bobbie, of Dallas, TX. Jerry graduated from Arlington High School in May 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 as a paratrooper and medic. He graduated from Texas A&M University in January 1963. Jerry worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 1961 until his retirement in 1998. His career took him and his family to National Fish Hatcheries in Arizona, New York, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Alabama, Area Offices in Missouri and Texas, and the Regional Office in Albuquerque, NM. Jerry enjoyed playing racquetball with his wife Jane. They played in many tournaments across the country, including the Senior Olympics. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, old cars and collecting Matchbox cars. Jerry was a member of the Albuquerque Old Car Club, the Silver Shufflers and the New Mexico Racquetball Association. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. Jerry was loved by many. His children Laurie and Rick thought he was a wonderful dad and cherish their remarkable childhood. He will be greatly missed. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, 11:00 a.m., December 13, 2014 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9100 Manual NE, Albuquerque, NM. Ennichement will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Salvation Army 4301 Bryn Mawr Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or Gentiva Hospice of Albuquerque 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30329.