Kenneth L. Bentley, age 57, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Thursday, January 21, 2010. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Melanie Bentley of 20 years and their children Kenneth, William, and Christina (Wolfinger) Bentley, Kristen (Bentley) and William Zischke, Nicole (Chase) and Rich Maxa Jr., and Bradley Chase along with six grandchildren.

Ken was born to his surviving parents, Kenneth G. and Marilyn (Winsor) Bentley in November of 1952 in Montcalm County. He is also survived by mother-in-law Lois Nieman, his brother Tom and Terri (Burnham) Bentley, and his sisters Kathy Bentley and Sandy (Bentley) and Bob Thurston, as well as sisters-in-law Lisa and Chris, Alex, Carol and Bob MIller, Debbie and Scott Nicolas, and Donna and Mike Roberts, and 25 nieces and nephews.

Ken graduated from St. Johns High School in 1971, retired from General Motors Local 652 after 35 years and enjoyed his retirement as a bus driver for Fulton Public Schools. Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, and time with family. Ken and Melanie are active at the Ithaca Wesleyan Church.

Ken was preceded in death by brother-in-law David Nieman, grandparents William and Florence (Blumberg) Bentley, Gerald and Eulene (Leslie) Winsor, uncles, Duane Winsor and William Bentley, and aunt Linda Bentley.

A public visitation will be held at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca from 6:30 to 9:00pm on Friday, January 22, 2010. A memorial service will be held at the Ithaca Wesleyan Church on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 4pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Ithaca Wesleyan Church or the American Cancer Society.