Myrtle Esther Bentley

Myrtle Esther Bentley, age 91, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the Stacyville Community Nursing Home in Stacyville, Iowa. She entered eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Following her husband’s death in 2019 and as her health declined, she most recently lived with family, where she was lovingly cared for.

Myrtle was born on January 20, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul and Sadie Wehlan. She was deeply thankful for her Christian parents, who faithfully taught her about Jesus and her need for Him from an early age. This strong foundation of faith shaped the course of her entire life.

Before marrying J. Grant Bentley in 1964, Myrtle worked for the Rock Island Railroad and pursued her education and musical training at Moody Bible Institute and the Chicago Conservatory of Music. A gifted and accomplished musician, she served as a church organist, composer, and piano teacher, faithfully using her God-given talents in service to the Lord and His church. Music was not only her vocation but also her ministry, one she joyfully carried out for many years in churches across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota.

While Myrtle’s musical abilities were remarkable, her most cherished calling was being a mother and a devoted grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and speaking to them about Jesus and their need for Him. She found contentment in homemaking, garage-sale’ing, organizing her thrifted treasures, and caring for her pets. She especially delighted in her cats and in feeding the squirrels and birds in her yard.

Myrtle is survived by her daughter, Esthermay (Mark) Goossen of Adams, Minnesota; her son, Davidjay (Nita) Bentley of Austin, Minnesota; and nine grandchildren, Dr. Jacob (Kelsey) Bentley of Plainview, Minnesota, Caleb (Katy) Bentley of Little Chute, Wisconsin, Jordan (Samantha) Bentley of Utica, Minnesota, Eliana (Abram) Medrano of Rochester, Minnesota, Selah (Noah) Shawley of Elyria, Ohio, Shepard (Tatiana) Goossen of Sartell, Minnesota, and Sharon Goossen, Timothy Goossen, and Alisa Goossen, all of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Paul M. Wehlan; and her beloved husband, J. Grant Bentley.

Myrtle desired to be remembered as a woman whose purpose in life was to live for Jesus. Her deepest passion was growing closer to Him and learning more about Him each day. She firmly believed the Bible to be a living book—God’s voice to His people—and she loved reading and meditating on God’s Word. She often spoke with gratitude of God’s grace and faithfulness throughout her life.

Myrtle’s life was a testimony of quiet faith, faithful service, and wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Her family rejoices in knowing that she is now in the presence of Jesus, the Savior she loved and served so faithfully.

A funeral service for Myrtle will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.