Debarah Ann (Barkema) BENTLEY

BARKEMA, BENTLEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/10/2011 at 23:51:29

Lake Sun Leader --Camdenton, MO
June 2, 2011

March 12, 1948 -- May 30, 2011

Debarah Ann Bentley (Barkema), 63, a former Iowa native, died May 30, 2011, at her home in Climax Springs, Mo. She was born on March 12, 1948, in Belmond, Iowa, to parents Leland (Bud) and Betty Barkema. The oldest of three children, Deb lived up to and maintained the spirited and outgoing character often equated with the eldest child. She graduated from Belmond High School in 1966, and after a brief time attending Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, Iowa, Deb set her sights on life far from the familiar settings of the Midwest, and in 1969, she moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where she met her future husband and life-long companion, Steven Bentley, a Los Angeles native.

While living in California, Deb gave birth to two sons, Michael Lee and Craig Martin. Upon moving to North Carolina, Deb and Steve would welcome the birth of their third son, Jon Christopher (J.C.). All three children inherited the same fiery disposition and independent nature that distinguished Deb throughout her years.

Life brought Deb and her family back to Iowa. And although time had passed as she found her role as wife and mother, she eventually sought to rekindle her education. She pursued a degree in agricultural business from the North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa, and finished with a degree in finance from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. Invigorated by this solid educational commitment, Deb continued her studies by being accepted to, and graduating from, the University of Iowa College of Law with her degree of Juris Doctor.

Deb's interests ran wide in spectrum. While in California, she was part of a female barbershop vocal group, known as the Sweet Adelines. Her love of music would also prompt her to learn how to play the organ: a sound that would warmly fill her family's home for many, many years. Deb loved to create handmade crafts of all types; from dolls and personalized ornaments, to crocheting scarves, hats, and multi-colored baby blankets for her ten grandchildren. She also had an affinity for collecting antique dinnerware sets and curio plates, and had assembled quite a lovely doll collection as well. Family and friends will affectionately remember Deb for her unwavering positions on politics, engaging debates filled with exceptional bravado, and wonderfully enthusiastic opinions on life.

Deb and Steven retired to a beautiful home on Lake of the Ozarks in Mo., where days and nights overlooking the lake and its picturesque surroundings would add to the calm and serene life that she had always wanted. There, she enjoyed gardening, tending to her plants, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two "babies" (kindred Bichon Frise puppies known as Peaches and Lacey).

Deb was preceded in death by her father, Leland (Bud) Barkema, and is survived by her devoted husband Steven Bentley; her sons Michael and wife Stacy, Craig and wife Heather, and Jon and wife Jenny; mother Betty Barkema; brother Lee and wife Bonnie Barkema; and sister Renae Barkema. Deb will also be remembered by her nephew Daniel; niece Laura; and her 10 grandchildren: Hannah, Adam, Noah, Katie, Owen, Sean, Anna, Samuel, Lillianna and Caleb.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 3, 2011, in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Citizens Against Domestic Violence and left at the funeral home. Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton is assisting the family with arrangements.