Charlene Mae (Watkins) Bentley

Charlene Mae (Watkins) Bentley of Battle Creek, MI


Charlene, age 85, died Saturday evening, January 30, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and following a lengthy illness.

Charlene, the daughter of Charles and Rhea (Elwood) Watkins, was born in Battle Creek on June 25, 1930, was a lifetime resident and 1948 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She had been employed at Post Cereals for a short time, but her passion in life was being a devoted wife and mother plus a doting grandmother.

Charlene was united in marriage to the "Love of her Life," Donald Lee Bentley at the Central Christian Church of Battle Creek on July 29, 1950 and he sadly preceded her in death on December 25, 2013. Surviving are two daughters Melinda J. (Elias Aldama) Bentley and Sandra L. (Robert A.) Martin, both of Battle Creek and two precious grandchildren, Andrew L. Martin, attending Grand Valley State University and Samantha L. Martin, attending Kellogg Community College. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Charlene's life will be held on Saturday, February 6th at 2:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, with Rev. Robert L. Zuhl, officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. Charlene's family will greet friends on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Charlene's honor may be directed to James Robinson's, Water For Life @ www.lifetoday.org or Franklin Graham's, Samaritan's Purse @ www.samaritanspurse.org.