Jennifer Marian Bentley passed away on March 31, 2022 at the age of 52 in Orem, Utah after a lengthy battle with cancer and other serious illnesses. Her bravery in the face of adversity and her cheerful smile and selflessness will be missed by those close to her.
Jennifer was born on December 12th, 1969 to Brian Kenneth and Claudia de St. Jeor Bentley. From the beginning of her life, Jennifer was strong-willed and determined. Even after her illness had limited her mobility, she fought her pain and, astonishingly, was able to hike three miles to see Delicate Arch with her family. Jennifer was steadfast and unwavering in her testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ as she believed it sustained her through her injuries and illnesses. She often shared her love and faith with everyone around her. She easily offered a kind word, story, or insight in any conversation. This gift left an indelible mark on many who crossed paths with Jennifer.
She loved music and was an avid reader, but even more, she used her talents to improve the world around her. From her early sewing, 4-H, and craft projects to developing her talents in stained glass, tatting, crocheting, soap, candle and jewelry-making, Jennifer was always planning her next project or event. One of her sons joked that her hobby was collecting hobbies. She often worked through the night to finish gifts for her loved ones or develop new skills. Her craftsmanship was meticulous and she had unparalleled focus. Her accomplishments were highly applauded. Her family and friends will cherish her creations as part of her legacy.
Jennifer married Bruce Emil Johnson in Moab, Utah on May 26, 1989. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, but they were later divorced. They had five sons and two daughters. She considered her children her greatest blessings. After becoming a mother, she spent her creative energy raising her children. She was a passionate and avid Scout Leader and received The Great Salt Lake Council Quality Leader Award in 2000. Her children fondly remember her involvement in Cub Country, Pow Wows, trips to the zoo, class trips, holiday celebrations, game nights and piano lessons. Jennifer loved the outdoors, was prepared for any emergency, and never passed up an opportunity to cook in her many Dutch ovens. Peach cobbler was always a favorite. Jennifer helped her children learn life skills and how to take care of each other.
She is survived by her parents Brian Kenneth Bentley and Claudia de St. Jeor Bentley and her seven children Geoffrey Ross Johnson, Derek Emil Johnson (Shandice Beal Johnson), Jared Kenneth Johnson, Braden Lee Johnson, Britni Claudia Johnson Cassidy-Rice (Miles Cassidy-Rice), Brian Charles Johnson and Hannah Marian Johnson Ramirez (Jimy Ramirez) and her four grandsons, Booker Emil Johnson, Beau Bradley Johnson, Kit John Cassidy-Rice and Keo Bruce Cassidy-Rice. She is also survived by her 5 siblings Allison Sarah Bentley Brigden (William Brigden), Jeremy Charles Bentley (Lorin Bentley), Melissa Anne Bentley, Zachary Robert Bentley (Bambi Bentley) and Cameron Kenneth Bentley (Julia Bentley).
A celebration of Jennifer’s life will be held on Saturday April 9th at 2pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel, 325 East 500 North, Heber City, UT (viewing at 12:30 PM)
Interment will follow Heber City Cemetery, 700 North 550 East Heber City, UT.
To live stream services, please visit
https://my.gather.app/remember/jennifer-bentley