On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Karen G. Bentz, a beloved wife, sister, and stepmother, passed away at the age of 76 in Surprise, Arizona.

Karen was born on October 19, 1948, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, to Carey and Rebecca (Winfree) Godwin. She graduated from Lees McRae College in 1968 and embarked on a distinguished career in healthcare, serving at Duke University Hospital, the Washington DC Office of the Surgeon General, Fort Jackson South Carolina Army Hospital, Fayetteville North Carolina VA Hospital, and Ellsworth South Dakota AFB Medical Center. She retired from Civil Service, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and compassion.

On August 19, 1982, Karen married Curtis Lowell Bentz and lovingly embraced the role of stepmother to two daughters, Kim Smith and Teresa Brown, and a son, Scott Bentz.

Karen was an active member of Xi Alpha Pi Sorority, where she forged lifelong friendships. She enjoyed socializing, hosting gatherings at her home in Nemo, South Dakota, and cherished moments spent with family. Her love for dancing, hunting, and traveling added joy to her life. Her friends fondly remember her sense of humor and southern drawl, affectionately calling her their "Southern Belle."

Karen took great pride in her role as "Mimi," adoring her grandchildren: Sydney Borland, Taylor Sutton, Ashley Smith, Abigail Smith, and Spencer Brown.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Carey, her mother, Rebecca, and her stepdaughter, Dee Ann Webb.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Curtis Bentz, her brother, Sandy Godwin (Cathy), her children, Kim Smith (Tom), Teresa Brown, and Scott Bentz, and her five cherished grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Osheim Funeral Home on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 10:30 AM. A luncheon will be provided by the First United Methodist Church from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, followed by interment at 2:30 PM in the Black Hills National Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Osheim Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation.