Mary Louise (Bentley) Sheeks, 83, formerly of Northeast Kansas City passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at the Golden Living Home in Valley, Neb. Interment will be held at the Rosehill Cemetery in Blockton, Iowa. Arrangements are by Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford, Iowa.

Mary was born on Nov. 6, 1928, in Blockton, Iowa, the oldest of six children born to George Milford Bentley and Grace (Jennings) Bentley. She grew up attending school in Blockton, graduating with the Class of 1947 as valedictorian. After school she worked for six years for Dr. Bosingham in Clarinda, Iowa.

In January of 1952, she was united in marriage to Clayton Sheeks. She later moved to Kansas City where she worked for more than 30 years in the accounting department of Business Men’s Assurance Company. After retiring from there, she sold real estate for a time and later worked part-time for Cramer Trailer Service. In order to be closer to her family, she moved to Omaha in 2006. Mary was a member of the Midwestern Baptist Church in Omaha.

She is survived by four brothers, Duane Bentley of Clarinda; Dean Bentley and wife Melba of Council Bluffs; Kenneth Bentley and wife Judy of Omaha; and Terry Bentley and wife Becky of Wyoming; a sister-in-law, Sue Bentley of Fremont, Neb.; eight nieces and nephews, along with many other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Bentley; and one brother, Gene Bentley.

Although Mary will be greatly missed, her love and inspiration will live on through her family. Memorials can be given in Mary’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under “Obituaries.”