Mary Ellen Bentz

Mary Ellen Bentz, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother died July 21, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 100. Born in Ohio, she attended Grandview High School and Ohio State University. She became a Certified Medical Technologist and served as a Navy Pharmacist Mate Second Class.

Mary Ellen and Robert Bentz were married in Ohio and moved to Florida where they started their family. Their two sons, Bob and Bill moved with them in the 1960s to Clearwater, Florida. Mary Ellen worked many years as a receptionist for dental offices.

A love for travel took her to all fifty states and many countries. When she wasn’t traveling she enjoyed volunteering. She delivered flowers to patients at Morton Plant Hospital and was a Deacon at Trinity Presbyterian Church. She continued cooking large church dinners with a small kitchen group until she was 85 years old. She loved a good book, small church groups, cooking and quilting. These hobbies developed into wonderful relationships and projects. A close group of friends regularly attended dinners, plays, movies, concerts and socialized. She valued these special relationships and memories. Personalized quilts were made for family members and many of her quilt projects were displayed at quilt shows. Family and holiday dinners were appreciated by everyone. She always shared the recipes and her family enjoys bragging about making Mary Ellen’s cookies, appetizers or main dishes.

A longtime resident of Clearwater, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert, and her brother, John. She is survived by her sister, Patsy, her children Bob (Laura), Bill (Kim), grandchildren Brian (Kelly), Marc (Savannah) and great granddaughter Hailey. She will be missed by many other relatives and friends. Her legacy continues through the many hearts she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on a date to be announced.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity Presbyterian Church Preschool or the Community Dental Clinic.