Willis Bentley

Willis Leroy Bentley was born February 2, 1932 to George and Anna Bentley in Lenora, Oklahoma. Willis attended grade and high school at Vici Public School. He enlisted in the United States Army, before completing high school. Corporal Willis Bentley received his Honorable Discharge in December of 1954 and completed 8 years in the service. Willis later obtained his GED while employed by Amerada Seismograph Company. Willis met and soon married the love of his life Ila Redwine, on July 5, 1957. Soon after he began employment with Amerada Seismograph Company, they began their life together in Walden, Colorado. While traveling to many states, they started their family; to this union 3 children were born; Teresa, Patricia and George. Willis moved his family back to Oklahoma and was employed by the Oklahoma State Dept. of Transportation in Buffalo, Oklahoma. Later he became Branch Manager of the Selman Farmers Coop. After retiring from the Selman Farmers Coop, Willis and Ila began their dream of traveling. They enjoyed spending each winter at South Padre Island and Weslaco, Texas, and they spent their summers in Taos, New Mexico. Where they made many new lifetime friends. Willis and Ila also bought homes and remodeled them for rental properties. Willis enjoyed the challenge of creating something out of nothing. Willis also worked alongside his wife as she continued to produce draperies in their home business. Willis enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandkids. He enjoyed camping, family reunions, and woodworking, with Ila. He loved to play cards and the dice game Farkle. Willis loved to pull  jokes or play  prank on others. Willis enjoyed going to the diner and having coffee with the Coffee Bunch each morning. Willis is preceded in death by his parents George and Anna Bentley, one brother Ralph (Bucky) Bentley, and one sister Violet Goodwin – Broadstreet; infant child, Glen Orley Bentley. Willis went to be with his Lord and Savior early Tuesday morning July 19, 2016 with his family by his bedside. Willis is survived by his beloved wife Ila of the home, one brother Howard Bentley of Shattuck. Two sisters; Matilda Stockman and husband Harry of Shattuck, and Eunice Starbuck and Husband Ed of Shattuck. Two daughters; Teresa Wheeler and Husband Clyde of Laverne, and Patricia Moser and husband Mike of Fort Supply, one son George Bentley and wife Rhonda of Buffalo. Willis is survived by five grandchildren, Dr. Latisha Heinlen and husband Dr. Jonathan, Tyler and wife Monica Ashpaugh, Jennifer Wheeler, Michelle Mendoza and husband Ryan and Cody Ashpaugh; eleven great grandchildren; Elizabeth, Kate and Scarlett Heinlen, JaeLynn and Jaymin Ashpaugh, KyLeigh Perez, Kameron Hamilton and Damien, Devon and Dylan and Lane Mendoza, many nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.