Anita Carol Bentley

Anita Carol Bentley, also known as Meemaw, passed away on February 12, 2024, in Oak Leaf, Texas. She was born on October 27, 1946, in Fouke, Arkansas. Anita was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Anita grew up on a farm in Fouke where she learned valuable skills from her father, Oliver, who served as a nurse in the US Army and later became a farmer. He taught Anita the art of medicine and mechanics. Her mother, Ildea, shared her culinary expertise with Anita, ensuring that she became a wonderful cook. Anita's dedication to her education led her to graduate with honors from high school and later become Miss Arkansas Cotton Queen. She continued her education at Texarkana Jr. College in Texarkana, Texas, where she pursued her passion for learning. It was during her time at college that Anita's life took a momentous turn. One fateful day, she was sitting with a friend at a drive-in when Frank Bentley, her future husband, drove up in his 1963 red Stingray Corvette with the top down. Their eyes met, and it was instant love. Soon, Frank recognized that Anita was the perfect catch - beautiful, intelligent, knowledgeable in both medicine and mechanics, and a phenomenal cook. Anita is survived by her loving husband, Frank Bentley, who shared a deep and enduring bond with her. She leaves behind her son, Troy Bentley, and daughter, Andrea Dillingham. Anita's brother, Rodney Cutchall, sister-in-law Wilma Cutchall, granddaughter Adora Kelley, grandson Camron Dillingham, grandson Austin Bentley, son-in-law Cash Kelley, great-granddaughter Paisley Chenette, great-grandson Grayson Chenette, and great-grandson Diesel Chenette also mourn her loss. Anita was a member of the Church Of Christ in Red Oak, TX. To honor Anita's remarkable life, a Celebration of Her Life will be held at West-Hurtt Funeral Home on February 24, 2024, at 11am. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by or knew Anita are invited to join in remembering and celebrating her legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials or donations be made in Anita's name to the American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org/donate Anita Carol Bentley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her warmth, intelligence, and culinary talents will forever be cherished. May her soul rest in eternal peace!