Mary E. Bentz

Mary E. Bentz, age 82, a lifelong Allenton area resident, passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township. Mary was born November 20, 1933 in Centerline, MI., the daughter of Henry and Alvera (Grobel) Ruhlman. She married Jack Bentz on November 29, 1958 at Immaculate Conception Church in Lapeer. After working at a law office in Lapeer as a secretary, Mary began working as the Director of Religious Education at St John Catholic Church in Allenton which she did till retirement in 1991. She still served her church after retirement as the director of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. She also helped out with the Ladies Altar Society, helped with funeral luncheons and fish fries and taking communion to the sick. Her hobbies include being with her many grandchildren and friends. Mary is survived by her husband Jack, children: Colleen (Tim) Wike of Dexter, MI., Chris (Renee) of Allenton, Carol (Greg) Roth of Leonard, and Susan (Dave) Rager also of Allenton. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and siblings: Lucille Schank, Irene (Joe) Vohs, Catherine Kreiner, Dolores (Seth) Griffin, Gertrude (Vern) Steele, Thomas Ruhlman, and Joseph (Joanne) Ruhlman. Jack’s family surviving include Tom (Ott) Bentz and Joan (Mike) Hayden. Mary was preceded in death by her son Matthew and siblings: Joan Hagemeister, Anthony, Robert and Monica Ruhlman. Mass of Resurrection will take place on Saturday, March 5 at 11 AM at St John Catholic Church of Allenton. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 and on Friday from 1-8 at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home of Romeo. Burial will follow at the West Berlin Cemetery in Allenton. Donations to the Armada Rehab, Armada Memory Care Unit and to St John Catholic Church would be appreciated.