Marlys Bentley, 72, of Twin Valley, MN died Friday, May 22, 2009 at Innovis Hospital, Fargo, ND.
Marlys Ann Lien was born Oct. 20 1936 near Flom, MN, the daughter of Odin and Leona (Prestegord) Lien. She was raised east of Twin Valley, on the family farm and attended country school in that community. Marlys was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. She graduated from the Twin Valley High School with the class of 1954.
On February 28, 1954 Marlys was united in marriage to Eldo Bentley at Wild Rice Lutheran Church. For the first year of their marriage they lived in different parts of the United States while Eldo finished his time in the military. In 1955 they returned to Twin Valley, where they started farming. They operated a dairy and grain farm north of Twin Valley since that time. Marlys was a bookkeeper at Great Plains Lumber in Twin Valley for several years in the 1960's and 70's. She also had a cake baking and decorating business since she was a young woman, making cakes for any occasion, which she continued to do until very recently.
She was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley and the ladies aid there. Marlys was involved with 4-H when her children were young, was named Farm Woman of the year and was the secretary of the Milking Shorthorn Association for the past 7 years. She enjoyed quilting, working with her plants, traveling and decorating her cakes.
Marlys is survived by her husband, Eldo, Twin Valley, MN; one daughter, Teresa "Terri" (Robert) Dahlen, Twin Valley, MN; one son, Roger (Denise) Bentley, Mahnomen, MN; 2 sisters, LuVerne Paulsrud, Hillsboro, ND and Elaine (Chuck) Swenson, Viking, MN; one brother, Everett (Pat) Lien, Maple Grove, MN; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two infant sons, two grandsons, Jacob and Andy Bentley and one brother, Phillip.
Funeral services were held Wednesday May 27th at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN.