Obituary of Esther M. Bentley

Esther M. Bentley entered her eternal home in Heaven on May 18, 2023. She was born on September 13, 1928, the daughter of Aubrey and Sara Michener. Her beloved husband of 69+ years, William E. (“Bill”) Bentley, Jr., preceded her in death.

Although they lived in multiple states while raising their five children, the family eventually settled in central New Jersey. They lived in Toms River for over 30 years, with Esther spending 20 of those years as an amazing elementary school music teacher. After retirement, Bill and Esther bought a home in North Port, and spent a number of years as “snow birds,” splitting time between Florida and New Jersey. They eventually moved to North Port full-time.

Esther was mother to five children: Sara B. Harris (deceased) and husband Wendall; William E. Bentley, III (Claire); Rebecca Novak (Kent); Joyce Bentley Haller (husband Robert C. Haller, deceased); and Grace Bentley Goble (William). She was a beloved “Grammie” of 12 and great-grandmother of 18.

Esther loved Jesus and is a beloved child of God. She loved to sing hymns and especially enjoyed playing piano. She grew up in Claymont Delaware and attended Temple University where she received a degree in Music Education.

Details for service and interment at Sarasota National Cemetery are forthcoming.