Mary Grace Bentlage

MILTON - Mary “Grace” (Giunta) Bentlage, 94, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Valley View Nursing Center, Montoursville.

She was born on February 17, 1929 in Pittston and was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Grace (Sberna) Giunta.

On January 16, 1965 Grace married the late Rudolf L. Bentlage and they celebrated 42 years of marriage together until his death on October 26, 2007.

Grace lived a long and wonderful life. She considered her family her greatest asset and was happiest when she was surrounded by them.

Her parents were immigrants from Italy and she was very proud of her Italian heritage and the wonderful example of hard work and perseverance that her parents provided.

Though she was born in Pittston, her family relocated to Lewisburg when she was 12 where her father opened Champion Shoe Sales & Repair.  She attended Lewisburg High School and as a young woman enjoyed being a member of the church choir.

Later, she worked for a few years at Fox Knapp and then for the family business. 

Her hobbies included sewing and other needlework, and she created many beautiful pieces through the years. She also enjoyed bowling and was a member of a local bowling league in Milton.  She not only enjoyed the activity, but also the friendships made.

She was fortunate to have many other long-lasting friendships as well created through childhood, church, neighborhood and those made through her husband’s love of golf. She had a quick wit, enjoyed sharing family stories and was known by her family for her delicious cannoli and cake decorating.

Grace was a woman of strong faith. She was a long-time member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milton where she enjoyed fellowship and volunteering her time.

Grace is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law; Carol Geedey of Milton and Jackie Bentlage-Brown and Mark Brown of Harrisburg; five grandchildren, Mackenzie, Jacob, Cory and his wife Camren, Taylor and Kennedy; and one great granddaughter, Rowan; one sister, Angeline Staib; one brother and sister-in-law, Angelo and JoAnn Giunta. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Grace was preceded in death by one son-in-law; Greg Geedey; sisters and brothers-in-law; Sara and Louis Amico, Michalena Waskovich, Robert Staib, Carmela and William Kauffman.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milton, PA.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 Broadway Street, Milton with the Reverend John D. Hoke officiating.  A private burial was held with immediate family.  Arrangements are being handled by Dale Ranck Cremation & Funeral Care, 125 N. Front Street, Milton.