Alma Ruth Bentley (nee O'Neil)

Alma was born March 22, 1917 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to parents William McKenzie O'Neil and Melinda Adeline Johnston. She attended Mulvey and graduated from Gordon Bell High school in 1934 and the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1939. Alma married Alfred John Harris on Jan 4, 1941 and raised her family in Winnipeg. She was employed by Dr. Harry Morse at the Winnipeg Clinic until 1943. Alma graduated from the Manitoba Teacher's College in 1964. She taught Jr. High Home Economics for the St. James School Division (Assiniboine, Deer Lodge and Sansome schools).

Alma married 2nd husband Lt. Col. Albert (Bert) Bentley on March 24, 1973 at Deer Lodge United Church. For the next twenty-six years Bert and Alma were inseparable. They developed many friendships through their association with the Antique Motorcycle & Car Clubs in Winnipeg. Alma was an avid craftsperson enjoying memberships with the Charleswood Art Club & the Women's Social Group at the Charleswood United Church. One to never to have idle hands, Alma was often seen knitting hats and blankets for new born babies or mitts and hats for the homeless. In the fall of 2011, at the age of 95 Alma made her decision to move to Calgary, Alberta to be closer with two sons and their families.

She leaves to mourn her three children, daughter-in-law and three step grandchildren;

Judith (Richard) Ritter and their children Heidi (Ben) Van Steenburgh, Brant and Kurt (Bridget).

James (Lucinda) and children Krystal, Kyle and Karalee.

Fred (Nicole) and children Robert and Patrick and first wife Marie-Louise (Mimi)

Daughter-in-law Maureen Harris and children David (Sue) Harris, Michelle (Brant) Dorman, Kimberley (Chris) Turner.

Step grandchildren Brian, Tracey and Dean Bentley,

Along with 10 great-grandchildren, one niece Sharon Bethell and one nephew Bruce O’Neil and many cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband Lt. Col. Albert (Bert) Bentley, her son Robert (Bob) Harris, her brother Bruce O’Neil and her baby sister Shirley.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the Charleswood United Church (4820 Roblin Blvd). Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson will officiate and the service will be followed by a lunch reception. Cremation has taken place and a private interment with family members only will take place in a family plot in Old Kildonan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Child Life Department, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. http://goodbear.mb.ca/make-a-donation or to a charity of your choice. Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca

A memorial service with Interment in a family plot in Old Kildonan Cemetery, in Winnipeg Manitoba will be scheduled in the Summer of 2015.

Please check back to this website for updated details regarding service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Child Life Department, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. http://goodbear.mb.ca/make-a-donation or to a charity of your choice.