Bessie Jane Ramsey Bentley, age 87, of Banner Elk, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Life Care Center of Banner Elk with family by her side.

She was born July 14, 1936, in Avery County. A daughter of the late William  and Frances Berry Ramsey. She graduated from nursing school at Grace Hospital in Banner Elk and was a nurse for forty-five years. When working as a nurse she met her beloved husband Maston. She served for forty years at Cannon Memorial Hospital and five years as a private duty nurse. She loved flowers and was an avid gardener. She was well known for her bread making in Banner Elk and was a lifelong member of Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Teresa Bentley Guest and husband Benjamil of Banner Elk and Robin Huggett of Roanoke, Virginia; four grandchildren, Tripp Ellis of Boone; Brittany Ellis Kerr and husband Nick of Mullins, South Carolina; Luke Ellis of Roanoke, Virginia, and Bray Guest of Banner Elk; one great-grandson, Miller Kerr of Mullins, South Carolina; and two sisters, Beatrice Allen of Hudson, and Doris Taylor of Newland. She is also survived by several cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father and mother she was preceded in death by her husband of thirty four years, Maston Bentley,  two sisters, Julia Mae Wilson, and Ruth Brandon, and seven brothers, John Ramsey, Lester Ramsey, Russell Ramsey, Bill Ramsey, Jake Ramsey, Boyd Ramsey, and Adam Ramsey.

Funeral services for Bessie Jane Ramsey Bentley will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, March 8, 2024, at Arbor Dale Presbyterian Church. Pastor Tee Gatewood, III will officiate. Interment will follow in Smith Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 1955 Newland Hwy, Newland, NC 28657.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.