Carol Sue Bentley, age 68, of Weyauwega, passed away from pancreatic cancer at the home of her sister in Ames, Iowa, on April 21, 2026, with family members by her side.
Born on December 4, 1957 in Ames, IA, Carol was the daughter of Allan and Evelyn Bentley. She was a 1976 graduate of United Community High School and was active in sports, band, chorus, speech, theater, piano, and 4-H. She received a B.A. degree in fine arts and biology in 1980 from Central College, Pella, IA.
Carol graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 1989. Natural healing and massage therapy became her life’s calling, and she practiced her craft for the next 30 years in VA, CO, UT, IA, and WI.
Carol was a free spirit and a passionate lover of the great outdoors. She could happily identify numerous bird sounds and utilized her many artistic talents throughout her full life. In addition to beautiful watercolors, she worked with oils, charcoal, pencil, and photography. Her homes and gardens were works of art. She was an excellent cook, baker, and gracious hostess. Carol loved horses, cats, flowers, and music, and she could dance with the best of them. She owned a collection of colorful wigs and had great fun wearing them at parties and sharing them with others.
Always up for an adventure, Carol loved hiking in state and national parks, canoeing, bike riding on the paved country roads near her home, and kayaking on White Lake. It was here that she met her dear friend, Bob Tews, whose love and companionship brought her much joy. She was forever grateful to her family, friends, and neighbors who supported her after her cancer diagnosis.
Carol was preceded in death by her grandparents and parents. She is survived by her five siblings: Dennis Bentley (Julie), Becky Christiansen (Kim), Jane Weaver (Jim) of Ames, IA, Mary Wills (Maury) of Adel, IA, and Scott Bentley (Sarah) of Madison, WI, along with her cherished nieces and nephews and their many children. Carol was also a beloved step-grandmother to the Henderson family of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Much family love surrounded Carol in her last days and brought a smile for the ages to her beautiful face. Her family is grateful for the unending support of family and friends and the compassionate care she received from the loving caregivers of St. Croix Hospice.
A gathering of friends and family is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Reiman Gardens in Ames, IA, with a Celebration of Life program planned for 2:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be directed to: White Lake Preservation Association (WLPA), E6014 South Shore Dr, Weyauwega, WI 54983 (Carol was an active member.), Kiss Your Kids Foundation, 4321 Blairs Ferry Rd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 (kissyourkidsfoundation.org) or CultivatingHopeFarms.org
