Charlene M. Bentel

TYHEE – Long time Tyhee resident, Charlene Bentel, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the Elegant Assisted Living facility on June 19, 2024.

Charlene was born Marcia Charlene Winn on July 24, 1932, in Moreland, Idaho to Helen Wilma Jacobson and Wallace Albert Winn. Charlene is the name she went by after starting her education in Pocatello, attending Lincoln Elementary, Irving Junior High and Pocatello High School. Charlene attended Business College in Salt Lake City and Idaho State University.

Charlene married John Hans Bentel on February 13, 1954, after he returned from the Korean War and together they raised three daughters on their dairy farm in Tyhee. Charlene and John were married for 59 years at the time of his passing.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held callings in Primary, Young Women, and Sunday School, where she touched many lives. She loved going to the Idaho Falls Temple and doing genealogy work.

Charlene was a master seamstress. In 1967, she trained to sew knit fabrics, ski wear, and down-filled coats. She took classes in Eugene, Oregon with Ann Persons of Stretch and Sew. She later trained in Los Angeles. She taught sewing classes at the Stretch and Sew store in Pocatello until October 1987 when she opened her own store “Four Seasons Fabric,” located on Alameda and Jefferson. For 11 years, she enjoyed working with people at her store before heart trouble forced her to retire.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to those who have looked after Charlene for these past years. Cheri Terisel was her friend and devoted case worker. Evelyn, Kristy, Cassie, Lavena and Jade at Heritage Hospice provided great care along with Dr. Fenstermaker. Special thanks to the wonderful care given at Elegant Assisted Living, Jen (activities) and Kate, Veronica and Sara. Thanks, Bobbi and Sarah, as well as Annique, Heather, Robyn and Jason (for the visits and nice rides).  Thank you to Marcia Parr, RN and granddaughter, who offered her tender and loving care.

Charlene is survived by her daughters, Carla (Robert) Isham of Riverton, UT; Cindy (Tarry) Hirschi of American Falls, ID; a son-in-law, George Naylor; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, John, and daughter, Candy Naylor.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 2864 S 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

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