Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Ray “Pete” Bentley, born March 9, 1929, peacefully left this world on March 31, 2022, at the age of 93. Pete was born in Wayzata, Minn., to Ray Dewitt Bentley Sr. and Ruth Gottry Bentley, but grew up in Nampa, Idaho. He married Frances Rinebarger on May 21, 1949, and moved to White Salmon, Wash., living there for 56 years.
He worked at Mansfield’s Hardware as an appliance repairman for 40 years, was a member of the White Salmon Volunteer Fire Department for 39 years, 32 as the fire chief. He was a Life member of the Elks, Noble Grand of the Oddfellows in 1984, served on the City Council 1968 – 1984 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the city in 1990. He was an avid outdoorsman, motorcycling, snowmobiling, backpacking and fishing. He and Frances traveled extensively after retirement, making three trips to Alaska and full timed in their RV for three years around the United States.
In September 2005, he and Frances moved to Hereford, Ariz., to be closer to their daughter Beverly and her family. He was a skilled woodworker making intarsia for pleasure and to keep busy.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Frances, his parents and both sisters, Betty Irish and Pat Rypkema. He is survived by his daughter Beverly Pederson (Alan); three grandchildren, Bill Pullum (Toni), Gary Marlow (Juanita) and Allison Pederson; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler Chambers, Jordan Marlow, Kyla Marlow and Elijah Pullum; close friends Joan Powell and Diana Ormond; along with many nieces and nephews. He is now at peace with Frances in the Lord’s hands.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Via Elegante Assisted Living and Casa de la Paz Hospice for the excellent care he received in the last year of his life.
Services were held at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church on April 29. A celebration of life will be held in White Salmon at White Salmon United Methodist Church July 16 at 2 p.m. with internment at West Klickitat Cemetery District No. 1 in White Salmon.
To plant a tree in memory of Ray Bentley as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Pete, I remember you so well from working with you at Mansfield's Hardware in Bingen. You were a sincerely nice person.
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