Geraldine “Gerry” Bentz, 98,

of Batesville passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023.

She was born December 7, 1924 in Paragould, Ark., to Luther White and Emma Bibb.

Gerry was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a stern but very loving mother; she was “old school” and lived by the standards in which she was raised and family was very important to her. She was an RN at Gray’s Hospital for 41 years and was very professional at her job. She was a great cook and known for her biscuits and pumpkin pies. She also liked to sew and watch TV and really enjoyed Wheel of Fortune.

Survivors include her son, George Bentz, Jr. of Batesville; sister, Dorothy Smith, of Paragould; two grandchildren, Brooke Bentz Stevenson, and Grant Pierce Bentz; two great-grandchildren, Caroline Lilly Stevenson, and Sofia JaeLee Bentz; nieces, Carol (Curtis) Foster, and Katheryne (Charlie) Wade; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews, cousin, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Bentz, Sr.; one brother, Gene White; and four sisters, Alvie, Burnice, Selma, and Ruth.

Pallbearers are Grant Bentz, Marty Stevenson, Dan Foley, Dr. Jordan Weaver, Joey Howard, and Parker Jaynes. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Elumbaugh, Skip Rutherford, Joe Foley, and Tommy Foley.

Graveside services will begin at 1 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Skip Rutherford officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2023 at the funeral home.