Rheta Bentley

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Rheta Winona Bentley, 58, of Chaffee died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006, at her home, where she spent the last 36 years and was loved dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rheta was born Jan. 8, 1948, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Albert Gene and Patsy Ruth Abney Casper of Mounds, Ill. She married Gary Wayne Bentley Oct. 8, 1970.

Rheta, along with her husband and family, was a minister of music since the early 1970s, singing originally with the Soul Crusaders Gospel Singers, winning many souls for Christ.

She worked as a certified nurse assistant at Saint Francis Medical Center and the Lutheran Home many years until 1998, when she fulfilled her dream and became a licensed practical nurse. She spent seven years of her nursing career caring for patients at Cardiovascular Consultants. She dedicated her life to serving others. She was a member of Chaffee General Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Gary Wayne Bentley of the home; her mother, Patsy Ruth Casper of Mounds; six children, Kimberly Helt-Melvin of Jackson, Gary Lynn (Theresa) Bentley of Kelso, Mo., Rebecca (Adam) Miller of Jackson, Stephen Bryan Bentley of Chaffee, Tim (April) Bentley of Blytheville, Ark., and Cheryl Burns of Sikeston, Mo.

Also 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Liz and Hannah Melvin, Courtney and Collin Bentley, Jake Miller, Brandon and Wes Bentley, Jonathan Turner, Tyler Bentley, Chris and Kyle Kirkpatrick; and three great-grandchildren. Two more grandchildren are on the way.

Rheta was the oldest of 10 children. Surviving siblings include Shirley (Roy) McHarry of Ullin, Ill., Gail (Dave) Walton of Barlow, Ky., Ricky (Debbie) Casper of Olive Branch, Ill., Jerry Casper of Mounds, Ill., Albert (Cheryl) Casper of Mound City, Ill.; Robbie (Lisa) Casper of Mounds, Chris (Karen) Casper of Anna, Ill., and Holly (Sammy) Goins of Mounds.

She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Gene Casper; a brother, Jackie Casper; a sister-in-law, Mable Helt (her loving caregiver), and a brother-in-law, Bill Bentley.

Friends may call at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee after 5 p.m. Friday.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Joe Payne officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery at Chaffee.