White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Rowley – Court Hamilton Bentley, 60 years old, died on Friday, February 1, 2013, at his home in rural Rowley, Iowa, of complications of a seizure.  He was born on December 8, 1952, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Josiah Ellsworth and Dorothy Teresa (Sells) Bentley.  He graduated from high school in Independence, Iowa, with the Class of 1971 and then, graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1975 with a B.A. in Asian History.  On May 22, 1976, he and the former Maud Ellen Hardacker were married in Appleton, Wisconsin.  They returned to Independence and Court worked several jobs which led him to a position at Blakesley Cleaners.  He and Maud eventually purchased and operated the business until Court retired in 2000.

Court’s passions included all genres of books and music.  Wildlife and wild flowers filled his days with wonder.  He was so pleased the day he self-published his Wildflower Sample Book.  He was a proud 19 year Friend of Bill.  Ill health did not dampen his humor or his compassionate spirit.  He continues to share all he had to give as he donated his body to the University of Iowa so that others might learn.

Court is survived by his wife of 36 years, Maud, his mother-in-law, Margaret Hardacker of Appleton, Wisconsin, and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his half brother, Gordon Sorg, and his father-in-law, Keith Hardacker.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013, at St. James Episcopal Church in Independence, Iowa. White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.