Dear Bentley family,

I didn't know Evelyn but from her beautiful picture and well written obituary, I wish I did. What a wonderful, full life Evelyn lived. I'm sure anyone who got to know and interact with her in any way, felt blessed, and they were! My sympathies and prayers on your loss of this special soul. The world cannot have enough people like Evelyn. May her spirit live on in you.

My dear, sweet Friend,
Although I didn't see you often, each time I did was an inspiration.
Your beautiful sparkling eyes were always full of love. I so enjoyed our recent visit. I will always be grateful I made that quick turn off the highway to visit you. I have loved your family for many years. You and I go back to Riverside Manor where you and your friend entertained the residents with your music. I think that was in the late 70's. I am so sorry I was unaware of your passing or I would have been there to help send you off to be with Al. From our conversation, I know that's where you wanted to be. To your family,. I am so very sorry. You are very fortunate to have had this wonderful Mother in your life. God Bless.

Dear Bentley Extended Family,
I'm saddened to learn of your loss. Evelyn was always so gracious to my Mom and Dad, Tommy and Dick Cooper. We are never fully prepared for the loss of a parent. I hope you will find solace in the many wonderful memories of shared life experiences and lessons learned from Evelyn.
Best Wishes,
Dwight Cooper

Such warm Guernsey memories of Evelyn - sending love and peace to the Bentley's.

I will always remember going to Jane's family dairy farm. This Minnesota city girl got to see cows milked & then the milk turned into homemade ice cream! Wonderful Iowa memory made by Jane's Mom & Dad. Sue "Swanie" Hagberg.

Evelyn was a kind, caring & lovely soul! She enriched our lives with her friendship. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. We were happy to be apart of the Guernsey fellowship along with Al & Evelyn. We will treasure their memory always. John & Pam Arnold

Dear Bentley Family, On behalf of your former neighbors, the Steele-Larsen family, please know we are all thinking of you, and are sad to hear of the loss of your beloved mom. Even though we only lived at most (3/4 of a mile apart), you treated us like extended family. Like clockwork, your mom drove you Jane, Becky, and me, to the Campustown United Methodist church choir practice in Ames, every Wednesday night. And your late dad Al, not only took in our family's spotted pony Taffy, he helped her have her last filly Caramel. And those sweet horses lived on your family's farm for a couple of years. And you all used to say they blended right in with your spotted Guernsey cows! Your parents were great examples of a loving couple, who raised kind and generous children. Prayers to your family that in this time of sorrow you can draw strength from the many happy memories of your mom, who showed us what it was like to lead a life well-lived.

My deepest sympathies to Mary Jo (and I can't call you just "Mary" any more than I could call Mrs. Bentley "Evelyn" even though she asked me to so many times -- it just didn't feel right!) and family on your heart-breaking loss. I loved your Mom -- such a kind, warm and sweet woman. I have so many great memories of overnights spent at the Bentley house -- and Mrs. Bentley kindly -- yet firmly -- reminding Mary Jo that if we didn't quit talking and go to sleep, that she might be forced to separate us... which she never did. We were very blessed to have such wonderful mothers in our lives.

I pray that your cherished memories will sustain and comfort you in the days and weeks ahead. Please know that others share a part of your sorrow and loss.

All my love to everyone,
Lisa (Sampson) Sorenson

So very sorry to hear this. Evelyn was like my second mom when I was growing up. Living across the road from the Bentley farm was so much fun. Evelyn was always so kind and caring. I always felt like I was part of the family.
My deepest sympathy. Kathy Moore Hein

Dear Bentley “Kids” and Family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dear, sweet, special, one-of-a-kind mother, Evelyn. I am honored and blessed to have known your mother, and I extend my deepest sympathies to you all.

My best childhood friend and her five siblings just lost their mommy, and memories come rushing back to me. I remember my first day of Kindergarten in 1959. Evelyn and Jane seemed so happy and excited opening the heavy door to the Napier schoolhouse. And I remember how calm, cheerful, and funny Evelyn was when I spent time at the Bentley home. Evelyn had many talents and used them to make the world a better place.

Evelyn raised a wonderful family of beautiful, talented children – inside and out. And Evelyn was a beauty too; did you notice her uncanny resemblance to Shirley MacLaine?

Fast forward to adulthood. The laid-back demeanor (compared to mine, anyway) that I admired in Evelyn and Jane was similar to behavior of my husband. Imagine the surprise when my husband and I saw Evelyn’s and Al’s marriage certificate in their home at Jane’s wedding reception; we learned Evelyn was from Giard, and her maiden name was the same as my husband’s relatives! I married a (distant) relative of my childhood best friend and her mother!

Heaven gained an amazing angel. Rest in peace, Evelyn, and please say hello to my mother up there, Tommy Thompson Cooper.

In deepest sympathy,
Dorothy Cooper Landt