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Raymond Albert Bentz was born on January 14, 1920 the first child of six born to Albert and Clara (Hansen) Bentz, died on Friday, August 2, 2013. Ray remained close to his brothers and sister their entire life. His childhood growing up in Ludington’s 4th Ward was very special to him and set the tone for his life. He believed in hard work and family. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards, many outdoor activities, and had a great sense of humor. Ray lived his life by the clock, rising each day to take care of his responsibilities and to provide for his family. He taught his children and grandchildren what it meant to be dependable and enjoyed watching them grow up.
As a young man, Ray learned the furnace business with his father and drove the city bus. He served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II, mostly in Europe. Upon returning, he met his beloved wife Jean Marie Asuma, and they married on Oct. 19, 1946, celebrating 63 years together before Jean preceded him in death in 2009. Ray was employed at the Ludington plant of Dow Chemical for over 30 years, retiring in the early 80’s. He and Jean began their family in Ludington before moving to Scottville and building their current home of over 50 years, a home they took great pride in, and neighbors they loved so much.
As advanced age came and physical difficulties restricted him, Ray remained irrepressible. Patient was not in his personality, and he was amazed he lived to be 93 years old. To those who helped care for him over the years, he could not have done it without you. Thank you to Katie Genter and Julie Bentz who helped him stay in his home. Thank you to the community and staff at Oakview Medical Care Facility for caring for him in his last year, and to all who stopped by to chat or just say Hi. He loved to talk, and hated to be idle. Special thanks to Dr. Pollard, Nurse Becky, and aides Jamie, Sandy, and Amanda. You made life better with your friendship and kindness. We are extremely grateful.
Ray was preceded in death by his lovely wife Jean Marie, his parents, and his brothers Howard, Wallace, Wilbur, and Benny, his son-in-law Larry Fay, and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ray will be greatly missed by his children and their families Dennis (Rosalyn) Bentz of Dearborn, Peggy (Ronnie) Little of Ocala, FL, and Brenda (Matthew) Knizacky of Scottville, his grandchildren Kelly Moon, Kerry (Billy) Stevenson, Kevin Bentz, Alex Bentz, Rachael (Rob) Ballou, Ryon (Maria) Little, Ray (Jessie) Little, John Fay, Cathy Fay Kailing, Joe (Heidi) Knizacky, Rebecca (Sean) Lemon, Matt (Eden) Knizacky Jr., his sister Joyce Matthews, and sister-in-law Lucille Bentz, many great-grandchildren, one great, great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved you all and said to tell you “I will miss you.”
Funeral services will be held for Raymond at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 8 at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, with Pastor Joe Hilyard officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Thursday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Ray’s church, Bethany Lutheran , or Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. Please visit Ray’s personal memory page at www.stephensfuneralhome.net to sign his guestbook, or to leave a memory of Ray for his family. Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville.
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