Jerrilyn Bentley Obituary

Jerrilyn Jo Bentley, age 72, passed away September 14th, 2025 at her home surrounded by family in Cedar City, Utah. She was born to Martin Anderson and Alyce Adams on June 7th, 1953 in Hawarden Iowa. At the age of 17, she moved to St. George with her sister Marla and continued her education, receiving her high school diploma in 1971 from Dixie High School. After graduation, Jo started working as a waitress at a local restaurant, known as Trafalga Restaurant and Travel Lodge. While working as a waitress, Jo met the love of her life, Rodney Bentley. Jo and Rod later married in May of 1980 in Pioche, Nevada. Jo gained six amazing step-sons who became great brothers to the three daughters Jo and Rodney had.
For many years Jo was a waitress at Hugh's cafe and then she started secretarial work. She was a secretary at several different places including Color Country Underground, Rolling Rubber, and D&P Performance. Throughout her time at each place, she made lifelong friendships that were dear to her heart.
Jo had a great love and special talent for sewing and crocheting. She made clothing, blankets, stuffed animals, and much more for family and friends. In the last few years, she made and donated animals and children's clothes to local facilities to help those in need.
Jo also had a great love for baking- especially her pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, bundt cakes, and cheesecakes. She was always one to bring a sweet treat to work, family events, or just because she made too much. Jo was always one to help and serve others.
Jo loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. When her grandchildren were younger, she would take every opportunity to make the most of each holiday or special event. She always made her daughters and grandchildren feel loved. Her laugh was contagious and there was never a dull moment around her. She kept everyone on their toes until the very end. She is very loved and will be missed by everyone that knows her.
She is survived by her daughters; Tammy (Merle) Davis, Sharity (Jeremiah) Hunter, and Amanda (Tod) Spencer. Her step-sons; Chris (Deborah) Bentley, Karl (Trieste) Bentley, Ken (Joyce) Bentley, Blair (Cheryl) Bentley, Roger (Angie) Bentley, and Blake (Stephanie) Bentley. Her siblings; Rick Andersen and Kim Cordes. Her 32 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Reunited in heaven with her husband Rod, parents, sister Marla Gillmore, brother Terry Anderson, in-laws Maxine and Deward, grandson Jarrett Jensen, and many other beloved family members.
We would like to thank her special nurse Bailey Coombs for the amazing care she gave Jo and her family during her final time earthside.
Her final wish was to be cremated. Services will be held Wednesday September 24, 2025 at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W. Cedar City, UT 84720). There will be visitation from noon to 1:00pm and the funeral service will follow. To view a livestream of the service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.
Her hands may be still, but her touch will be felt for generations.