Nancy Lou Idell Bentley, 91, longtime resident of the Era Community, was called to our Lord on April 14, 2025.
Nancy, Granny to all the kids, was born July 25, 1933, to Louis and Mable Chancey Idell, Nancy grew up in Valley View and Marrietta OK. She graduated from Valley View School, in 1951. After graduating, Nancy attend UNT and while staying with her sister, took summer courses at Texas A & M University when women were only allowed during the summer.
Nancy later met and married the love of her life, Eugene Bentley. They were married November 6, 1954, and settled on the Bentley family farm where they bought a dairy farm from Eugene’s brother and ran it until 1985. Nancy was in charge of feeding and taking care of all the baby calves. After they retired from the dairy business, Nancy went to work at the Texas employment office in Gainesville, then worked for several more years at NCTC. She also spent several years assisting with Voting during election. Nancy always had a passion for creating which started with refinishing furniture and had one piece featured in a National Stockman magazine. Later Nancy took up painting pictures and was a long-time member of Gainesville Area Visual Arts.
Nancy was also a woman to serve. Nancy was a strong supporter of the Era Volunteer Fire Department. Most notable were her red beans that she cooked every year for the annual Fire Dept fundraiser and worked tirelessly for the Era Community Club. Nancy was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville where she served as a ruling Elder and used her artistic skills to help paint murals in the children education rooms. Nancy was part of the creation of the yearly Live nativity scene put on by the church to this day.
Nancy never missed any event where her kids or grandkids were involved. Helping with the dairy twice a day for years, she never missed an event her kids were in, no matter the distance to drive. Football, basketball, livestock shows, school performances, she was always there. Nancy loved all events in the Era community, from the Christmas Parade, burgers on the 4th of July Fire Dept celebration and especially the Fire Department Fish Fry.
Nancy is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Mike, Paul and Roxanne, Danny and Meredith. Five grandchildren: Robert, Amy, Christopher, Zachary and Jericho. Seven great-grandchildren: Andy, Rylee, Isabel, Cash, Ellie, Lilly and Gracie and one great-great grandson: Wayne. Niece and nephew, Charles and Deb Bentley and Debbie Garza.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Eugene, mother and father, sisters Ernestine Moore and Estelle Stevens, Stepsisters Willena J Murphey, Wanda Jo Robertson, Stepbrother Charles Maxon Cline, Niece Claudette Moore Buffington and Nephew Richard Moore.
In lieu of flowers, the family request Memorial contributions be made to the Era Volunteer Fire Department, the Era Cemetery Association and First Presbyterian Church.
Visitation will be held at Meador Funeral Home at 1204 E California St, Gainesville, TX on April 24, 2025 between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm with graveside service April 25,2025 at the Era Cemetery in Era Texas at 2:00 pm
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She was a Great Lady!! May she rest peace with Eugene!
Very special and talented lady. I enjoyed her.
God Bless Nancy Bentley!
We will miss her spark and humor.
She was the sweetest lady I knew. And always ready to help anybody. She was a great Christian. We’ll miss her.
Some of my best childhood memories involve staying at the farm with her. She was a wonderful person.
I remember many summer days as a kid going to aunt Nancy’s to play with the boys Mike, Paul and Danny those days were so much fun and Aunt Nancy always feed us lunch which we enjoyed at the picnic table under the tree in the yard well at least untill we got in trouble for having a food fight
Well, this came as a complete surprise to me. I just wanted to say to Mike and Paul that I was thinking of you guys and your family. I really enjoyed the time that I got to know your Mom. Now she is with her love of her life again. If ya’ll need anything ever, just asked me. Thinking and praying for your family. Prayers, Chip
I am so sorry for the loss of this sweet lady. I always enjoyed seeing her at the Era events.
Prayers for peace and comfort for your families.
God bless Nancy one of the dearest and sweetest lady ever. I will miss her nice smile and sweet face every time I saw her. She’s where she should be with her Husband in heaven and there’s nothing wrong with that. Love you Miss Nancy.
Mike, Paul & Danny, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Nancy’s passing. She was just such a wonderful aunt to me. In the summer, when I’d visit grandma Bentley, she would always come & get me and take me to your house. Lots more fun there since there wasn’t much for me to do at Grandmas. I will miss her. She was a special lady. I’m sure she & Uncle Eugene had a wonderful reunion!
Mike, Paul & Danny, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Nancy’s passing. She was just such a wonderful aunt to me. In the summer, when I’d visit grandma Bentley, she would always come & get me and take me to your house. Lots more fun there since there wasn’t much for me to do at Grandmas. I will miss her. She was a special lady. I’m sure she & Uncle Eugene had a wonderful reunion!
Nancy and Eugene have been our friends for many years. I am sending condolences to the family.
Nancy and Eugene have been our friends for many years. Rest in peace Nancy.
We have known Nancy and Eugene for many years. Great friends! I wish to send condolences to all family members. Nancy, Rest in peace in Jesus loving arms!
The Bentleys were always wonderful neighbors in our little sub community. Eudi and Nancy will definitely be missed in the Era area.