Gloria Jean Bentley, 73, of Great Mills, passed away Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at her home surrounded by her family, after a very courageous battle with cancer. Jean was born in Baltimore, MD on October 9, 1939, the daughter of the late Carl F. Lettau and the late Ellen M. Lane Lettau.

Jean moved to St. Mary's County with her family in 1948 where she was raised.

Jean was preceded in death by her brother Charles "Buzzy" Lettau and her sister Mary Katherine Lettau.

She is survived by her brothers and sister, James Lettau (Phyllis) of Georgia, Shirley Johnson and Evelyn Decker (Danny) both of Recine, Wis., Virginia Shaw, William Lettau and Donald Lettau (Patty) all of Dameron, MD., numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On March 15, 1958 she married and is survived by her loving and devoted husband Clyde T. "Bill" Bentley. Together they raised 6 children; Clyde "Tommy" Bentley, Jr. of Lexington Park, Timothy W. Bentley (Irene) of Mechanicsville, MD., Tina M. Heisner (Bob) of Hollywood, William "Billy" Bentley (Kim) of Leonardtown, MD, Barbara J. Lising (Raymon) of Great Mills, MD., Mary E. Ortiz (Santiago) of San Diego, California. They share 10 grandchildren: David Bentley, Ashley Webb, Timothy Bentley, Jr., Jessica Bentley, Mary Bentley, Shannon Moler, Rhonda Clark, Rickey Townsend, Jr., Ray Hayes, and William "Cody" Bentley. 7 Great-grandchildren: Jayden, Taylor, Tyler, Jade, Rickey III, Shawn and Ivan.

Jean dedicated her life to Jehovah God on March 29, 1969, and remained one of Jehovah's Witnesses for the remainder of her life. Her faith about her future was very strong and was very well known to all who came in contact with her. Jean loved spending time with her family, she was very well known for her wonderful heartwarming smile and warm loving and kind personality.

She loved listening to her kingdom music, reading, studying, sharing her bible, and playing draw something with her family. She so enjoyed drawing pictures for all her family, friends, doctors, nurses, and caregivers just to see them smile. Jean developed a close bond with her caregivers and considered them all a part of her extended family. She just loved the "smoochens" out of everyone.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care given by Hospice.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 26, 2012 from 11:00 AM – 12: 00 PM in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Callaway, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Callaway, MD with Brother Michael Middleton officiating. Pallbearers will be: Tom Bentley, Raymon Lising, Ray Hayes, Rickey Townsend, Jr., Timothy Bentley, Jr., and Cody Bentley. Honorary Pallbearers are: Billy Bentley, Tim Bentley, and Bob Heisner. A reception will follow at the Valley Lee Fire House, Valley Lee, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt. 3 North Building A, Gambrills, MD 21054, and/or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Netcancerday.org.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.