Marilyn Rose Bentley

Marilyn Rose Bentley, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, entered eternal rest on January 13, 2025, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, at the age of 79. Born on April 7, 1945, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Marilyn lived a life filled with love, faith, and passion.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Royce Bentley, in August 1973, and together they celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to her son, Benjamin Thomas Bentley (Simanthia), and her daughter, Elizabeth Anne Bentley. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Silver Atkinson, Robin Zemp, and Stephanie Harrison, and a great-grandmother to Joslyn Zemp and Karly Zemp.

Prior to meeting Royce, Marilyn was quite the world traveler, living in the Philippines, Alaska, and Indonesia as a missionary and a teacher. Marilyn was a gifted musician who played the piano beautifully and held a deep love for music. She earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a master's degree in Library Science, dedicating her life to teaching and inspiring young minds as both an educator and a librarian. Her love for reading and learning was contagious, and she found joy in sharing her knowledge with others.

A woman of deep faith, Marilyn loved Jesus and her church community. She especially cherished the Christmas season, filling her home with warmth, music, and the spirit of love. Her family was her greatest joy, and she never missed an opportunity to express how much they meant to her.

Marilyn was also an adventurous soul. She traveled to Canada and marveled at the beauty of the Rockies on a scenic train journey. She was a proud and passionate fan of the Oklahoma Sooners, cheering on her team with unmatched enthusiasm.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Royce Bentley; her children, Benjamin (Simanthia) and Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Silver, Robin, and Stephanie; her great-grandchildren, Joslyn and Karly; and her sisters, Sharon Pease and Diane Johnson. Marilyn’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

A memorial service to celebrate Marilyn’s remarkable life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Schaudt Funeral Service Chapel, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145.

Marilyn’s life was a melody of love, faith, and joy. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who loved her.